ICE warns fans of counterfeit merchandise ahead of FIFA World Cup
WASHINGTON / April 8, 2026 — As excitement builds for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, ICE is warning sports fans to remain vigilant against criminals seeking to profit from the global event through the sale of counterfeit merchandise.
“Every year, major international sporting events attract bad actors who attempt to cash in by selling fake jerseys, hats, tickets and memorabilia,” said ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall. “These counterfeit goods are often marketed online and in person, preying on fan enthusiasm and making it difficult to identify authentic products from fraudulent ones.”
Throughout the year, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations directorate, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and state and local law enforcement work through the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center to identify and disrupt the sale of counterfeit goods. These efforts target international shipments, online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms and retail outlets involved in illicit trade.
Last year alone, authorities seized more than 276,000 counterfeit sports related items valued at over $33 million MSRP as part of nationwide enforcement actions. With the World Cup drawing a global audience, ICE expects similar criminal activity and is taking proactive steps to protect consumers and legitimate businesses.
ICE also continues to support public awareness efforts through its “True Fans Keep It Real” campaign, which educates consumers about the risks associated with counterfeit goods and provides resources to help fans make informed purchasing decisions.
Additional consumer tips:
- Shop only at trusted retail locations.
- Remember, criminals often use legitimate product photos on their websites despite selling fraudulent products.
- Use caution before buying expensive items from unfamiliar online sellers. Purchasing merchandise from authorized dealers that are reputable sources for quality merchandise helps ensure that your transaction will be safe, and concerns will be handled responsibly.
- Look out for poor quality, sloppy stitching, missing security labels or irregular markings on apparel.
- Always purchase tickets from a respected source. If you purchase tickets on the secondary market, stick with reputable companies and double check the website’s guarantee.
- Check online bank statements. Keep a record of purchases and copies of confirmation pages and compare them to bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.
Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)
