Guatemala Exports World Cup Jerseys and Souvenirs to the U.S.

Guatemala's vibrant apparel and textile industry is capitalizing on the global excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup. The sector is a key supplier of fan jerseys and team-themed souvenirs, including polo shirts and other apparel, to major retail brands in the United States. This strategic involvement is set to significantly boost Guatemalan exports during the tournament season.

Industry projections indicate that Guatemala will ship around 1.6 million garments to the U.S. specifically for the World Cup. This volume is expected to generate approximately $7 million in export revenue, according to Alejandro Ceballos, vice president of the Association of the Industry of Clothing and Textiles of Guatemala (Vestex). The production and export of these items are creating substantial employment opportunities, supporting an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs within the country.

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It's already in full swing, all the designs are ready just to be made and continue serving the demand.

Ceballos noted that sales have already commenced, as fans begin to order personalized jerseys and prepare for team-specific events. The demand is driven not only by team loyalty but also by the attractive designs many teams unveil for the World Cup. Manufacturers specializing in sublimation and microfiber fabrics are actively producing and shipping these goods, with production continuing throughout the tournament to meet ongoing demand.

Guatemalan factories are equipped to handle immediate, large-volume orders, such as 10,000 jerseys for a specific player or team. The country's specialization in rapid production and its geographical proximity to the U.S. allow for swift delivery. Ceballos added that factories are ready to meet demand, describing the current atmosphere as a "World Cup fever." The production operates under licenses paid to brands and federations, with factories maintaining flexible production lines to adapt to the dynamic market, especially considering the popularity of players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose teams' progress directly impacts demand.

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Garments have already started to be sent and the stores are supplied and ready, because it is already a World Cup fever.