U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Houston and Galveston say they have shut down a major pipeline of fake World Cup gear, intercepting more than $6 million worth of counterfeit merchandise this week. The haul included thousands of knockoff jerseys and soccer balls, along with fake electronics and other apparel, that officials say were headed to buyers in the United States and abroad. The bust lands right in the middle of a surge of World Cup activity in Houston and highlights how big events quickly fuel demand for licensed gear.
According to ABC13, seaport trade-enforcement officers with Customs and Border Protection seized roughly 4,500 Adidas FIFA soccer balls, about 12,000 Adidas soccer jerseys and nearly 4,400 pairs of athletic shoes. Agents also uncovered toys, sunglass cases, perfume and 69 packages that contained more than 2,200 counterfeit Apple watches and earbuds bearing the FIFA trademark, the station reported. CBP said most of the seized shipments originated in China and were destined for locations inside the United States as well as for export overseas.
CBP warned that "fake items can pose serious health and safety risks to American consumers," a statement quoted by ABC13. The agency put the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the seized merchandise at more than $6 million and said officers spotted the counterfeit branding during routine inspections at the Houston and Galveston seaport facilities. Officials noted that the shipments will be processed under federal law governing intellectual property rights and import safety.
Port Enforcement And A Pattern Of Big Busts
The Port of Houston and Galveston handles massive volumes of international cargo and, authorities say, regularly turns up counterfeit goods hidden in the flow. In May 2025, CBP agents at the same port seized more than $7 million worth of fake Apple phone chargers, underscoring a steady stream of knockoffs moving through the region, as reported by Click2Houston. Internationally, customs officers in Hong Kong also recently intercepted hundreds of thousands of suspected fake World Cup items, the South China Morning Post reported.
What Shoppers And Small Businesses Should Know
Beyond the immediate seizure, counterfeit goods can ripple through the local economy, undercutting retailers who pay licensing fees and leaving customers stuck with products that may be unsafe. Officials are urging fans to buy World Cup merchandise from authorized sellers and to be wary of steeply discounted items offered online or from street vendors. Anyone with information about suspicious shipments can contact CBP or local law enforcement to support ongoing investigations.
CBP said its investigations remain active as trade-enforcement teams continue screening cargo at the seaport during the World Cup period. The agency has not yet announced any criminal charges connected to the seizures.
