Fake England World Cup Merchandise Seized Ahead of 2026 Tournament
Published June 15, 2026
Authorities have confiscated thousands of counterfeit England football kits and other merchandise in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal sales.
Published — local time around the world
As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, law enforcement agencies are actively working to curb the proliferation of counterfeit merchandise. Recent reports indicate significant seizures of fake England national team gear, underscoring the commercial challenges and illicit trade that often accompany major global sporting events.
In London, the Camden Council has been particularly active, reportedly seizing a substantial quantity of fake football shirts and kits. Between January 2025 and early May 2026, over 10,500 counterfeit items, including England and Premier League club apparel, were confiscated from retail outlets along Camden High Street and Chalk Farm Road. The estimated value of these specific seizures alone is reported to be over £755,000.
Further efforts by the Border Force have also yielded results. In the first four months of 2026, border officials reportedly intercepted 842 football shirts as part of a larger haul of 2,448 suspected fake football-related items. This broader effort also included the detention of 64 items purportedly for the Scotland national team, comprising both kits and tops. These actions are part of a wider campaign against the illegal trade in merchandise ahead of the tournament.