World Cup 2026 jersey disputes raise legal and labor concerns in Colombia and Mexico

In Colombia, independent designers are selling alternative shirts that incorporate the national team’s crest, Adidas logos and other protected symbols. Legal experts say the use of these trademarks violates intellectual‑property rights and could lead to lawsuits, damages and orders to cease sales. Only designs that avoid the federation’s emblems and Adidas marks are considered permissible.

In Mexico, the launch of the official World Cup 2026 shirts sparked a scandal after it was revealed that Adidas, through an intermediary, hired about 150 indigenous artisans from Naupan, Puebla, to hand‑embroider the national crest. The workers were paid 26‑36 Mexican pesos per hour, lacked basic benefits and were subject to strict attendance controls, prompting accusations of wage exploitation and cultural appropriation.