China's manufacturing industry plays key part in 2026 FIFA World Cup

China's national football team may not have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the country remains a major contributor to the tournament through its manufacturing industry, which has a key role in producing a large share of the official merchandise sold to fans worldwide.

The tournament, staged across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19. This year's World Cup is bigger than ever as it will feature 48 football teams, instead of the usual 32 teams.

Much of the World Cup-themed merchandise and souvenirs bought by fans was manufactured in Yiwu International Trade City, in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, famous as the world's largest wholesale small commodity market.

Mike Smith, 60, from East London, was in New York shopping with his wife at an official FIFA World Cup 2026 store temporarily located on the ground-floor of the plush mall The Shops at Columbus Circle in Manhattan.

Smith told China Daily: "There's a nice selection of things in here. I expect a lot of the merchandise is made in China. It is good as that means they're still a part of the tournament.

"We have to get our grandson a T-shirt in a large or he won't be very happy with us. He's football-mad! We are very excited about the matches and the England boys are doing well so far. So, all-in-all it's been a nice trip."

"Made in China" labels could be seen on official FIFA products.

ranging from scarves, key rings, T-shirts, mini footballs, jackets and more. Some items were made in the likeness of very popular World Cup players like Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Local manufacturers in Yiwu told Chinese media that they began receiving orders from international buyers in early 2025 to ensure they reached overseas markets in time for the kick-off of the World Cup.

However, the football souvenirs are not just being made in Yiwu.

Some are produced in Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Qingdao in Shandong province and Xiamen in Fujian province, according to local media reports.

A production plant in Guangdong manufactured the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup, called Trionda. Some match balls are fitted with Chinese smart chips.

At one other official FIFA store in New York, a member of staff, who did not want to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media, said that the shop was extremely busy most days as many shoppers from all over the world bought multiple things.

He added that the most popular items for sale were the T-shirts, baseball hats, pins and scarves with the FIFA 2026 World Cup logo on them. All "Made in China" products.

FIFA licenses its official merchandise, including products with the tournament's logo and emblem and team crests. Any unauthorized replicas infringe trademark rights and can be seized by customs.

Some of the other merchandise on display in stores were made in Vietnam or Cambodia, the labels showed.

Various football fans were browsing through the goods for sale at another very busy FIFA Store located in Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan on Monday.

Nearby in Rockefeller Center, a line of customers eagerly waited to view exhibits inside a FIFA museum, adorned with the photos of a few iconic football players outside, including the late Pele of Brazil.

China's presence at the World Cup even extends beyond the stores and onto the pitch.

Pop Mart's famous Labubu dolls made an appearance at the opening ceremony.

Two life-sized Labubu dolls in football jerseys were seen lifting a replica of the World Cup trophy at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11.

A pair of Chinese-made football boots gained attention during the tournament.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias, commonly known as Vozinha, wore Senda Mendoza Elite boots manufactured by Xufeng Sports Products in Putian, Fujian province.

His team competed with European champions Spain to get a surprise 0-0 draw in Atlanta on June 15.

Chinese beverage makers, including Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee, have struck partnerships with national teams such as Spain and Argentina, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese technology is also a big part of the tournament. Chinese TV maker Hisense is the official Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review TV provider used to make crucial game decisions, Yahoo reported.

Lenovo, a Chinese technology firm, is the supplier of equipment to 16 stadiums in the tournament. Both the company's servers and artificial intelligence devices will be used.

China is also taking part through a trio of its referees in the event: Fu Ming, assistant referee Zhou Fei, and Ma Ning, a VAR.

Host cities Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara have 115 light-rail trains manufactured by CRRC, a Chinese rail transit equipment supplier.

In Mexico City, 800 new-energy shuttles buses — 95 percent of them made in China — will help take fans between venues, Xinhua reported.