The figures, if sustained, point to a World Cup reaching beyond stadiums and television audiences. Hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the expanded 48-team tournament is expected to create demand for match balls, recreational equipment and supporter merchandise across the American market.
Gary Hufbauer, an economist, is quoted as saying: “O aumento das importações atesta o poder da Copa do Mundo de popularizar o futebol nos Estados Unidos.”
That wider appeal matters in a country where football has traditionally competed for attention with the NFL, NBA and MLB. A home World Cup offers the sport a rare chance to turn curiosity into participation, particularly among younger fans and families attending matches.
The report identifies Pakistan as the leading supplier of footballs to the United States, followed by China and Indonesia. Pakistan’s position reflects the long-standing manufacturing tradition of Sialkot, where hand-stitched footballs have been produced for generations.
China remains a major force in global sports manufacturing, although the report says American imports from the country fell to their lowest level in two decades during the opening months of 2026. Indonesia also features prominently as retailers prepare for a concentrated burst of demand.
Rohit Tripathi, a supply-chain specialist, says major tournaments create short, intense windows in which retailers must place the right products in the right locations and at suitable prices.
That challenge extends beyond official merchandise. Retailers cited in the report describe the tournament as an opportunity to convert excitement into repeat purchases, from entry-level footballs to club shirts and training equipment.
The next test will come after the final whistle. If new supporters continue playing and buying once the World Cup ends on July 19, the tournament’s biggest commercial legacy may be a lasting place for football in American sporting culture.