MIAMI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Miami International Airport have seized more than 16,000 counterfeit Nike soccer jerseys linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in two interdictions involving the same shipper and consignee, the agency announced today.
The latest seizure — 8,400 fake Nike jerseys intercepted June 17 — carried a domestic value of $252,000 and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $840,000. The shipment originated from China, was manifested as “T-shirts” and was destined for Brazil. It follows a June 8 seizure of 7,857 counterfeit Nike Team Brazil jerseys valued at $412,492.50 domestically and $1,374,975 at MSRP. That shipment was first intercepted May 22.
“These seizures underscore CBP’s unwavering commitment to protecting American consumers and businesses from the harmful effects of counterfeit goods,” said Miami/Tampa Director of Field Operations Daniel Alonso. “Under Trade Special Operation World Cup, our officers are vigilant in identifying and intercepting these illicit shipments, disrupting criminal networks, and safeguarding the integrity of our trade.”
Both shipments were seized for violating intellectual property rights, specifically the Swoosh Design trademark owned by Nike, Inc. The combined MSRP of the two Miami seizures exceeds $2.2 million. Nationally, CBP has made over 1,400 seizures related to the FIFA World Cup, totaling more than $23 million in MSRP had the goods been genuine.
The agency said the enforcement actions are part of Trade Special Operation World Cup, a broader initiative targeting counterfeit merchandise tied to the tournament. CBP routinely ramps up intelligence gathering and trend analysis ahead of major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and World Cup. The operation has targeted recipients who accept shipments violating intellectual property rights associated with FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise.
“CBP’s seizure of fake goods is more than protecting intellectual property rights. It’s protecting economic security, preventing proceeds from reaching the hands of criminal organizations, and stopping an illegal enterprise that profits from forced labor,” the agency stated.
Over 90% of all counterfeit seizures occur in international mail and express shipping environments — channels dominated by small e-commerce packages destined for the United States. CBP urged consumers to purchase from reputable online sources, noting that counterfeit goods pose health, safety and economic security risks. Suspected intellectual property violations can be reported to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at 1-866-IPR-2060.