Mexico's counterfeit soccer jerseys overwhelm market ahead of World Cup

Authorities in Mexico report that for every official national team jersey sold during the World Cup buildup, roughly 15 counterfeit copies are sold. In the past three months the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property seized more than 100,000 pirated shirts, valued at about 23 million pesos, but the flow of goods, largely from Asia, continues to outpace inspection capacity.

In cities such as Monclova, street vendors have set up stalls selling both official and replica jerseys, flags and other fan items. Prices for legitimate adult jerseys range from 1,800 to 3,500 pesos, while replicas sell for 250 to 600 pesos, making the cheaper copies attractive to many families that cannot afford the official merchandise. The widespread availability of counterfeit apparel reflects a broader consumer culture in Mexico where up to 2.5 % of GDP is linked to pirated goods.

The surge in counterfeit sales highlights ongoing challenges for law‑enforcement and customs officials in curbing illicit trade while meeting the high public demand for national team gear during the tournament.