Korean Media: China, Despite Not Qualifying for the World Cup, Has Become the Biggest Winner!
On July 17, South Korean media outlet Edaily published an article stating that the champion of the 2026 CONCACAF and Caribbean World Cup will be decided on the 20th. Spain defeated the favorite France to advance to the final, while Argentina overcame England, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic showdown.
Although the Chinese national football team failed to qualify for the World Cup finals, public enthusiasm for football in China remains high. Additionally, retailers specializing in Chinese football-related products have significantly benefited from this World Cup.
Data shows that from January to May this year, Yiwu exported sports goods worth 4.91 billion RMB to 199 countries and regions worldwide.
This surge is largely driven by increased demand for sports goods due to the 2026 World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During the same period, exports to the U.S. alone reached 960 million RMB. Exports to South America rose by 17.6%, totaling 980 million RMB. Meanwhile, exports to Canada surged 2.8 times.
A Chinese jersey seller said: “I’ve been selling jerseys for ten years. Compared to the last World Cup in Qatar, sales have increased by over 60%. We initially expected growth of more than 30%, but actual figures exceeded our expectations.”
The rise in jersey sales is primarily attributed to the expansion of the World Cup final stage to 48 teams, drawing greater global attention. The participation and outstanding performances of renowned stars such as Messi, Mbappé, Kane, and Haaland have also contributed significantly to increased sales.
Over the past year, the top-selling teams included host nation Mexico, along with football powerhouses Brazil, Argentina, and Spain. This is interpreted as evidence that as traditional title contenders continue their success, market demand is steadily growing.
Stories like Cape Verde’s unexpected qualification for the Round of 32 in their debut World Cup appearance have also boosted sales of related merchandise. According to data from AliExpress, after Cape Verde drew with Spain in the group stage, interest among local residents in the World Cup skyrocketed, making “jerseys” the hottest topic in Cape Verde.
The number of participating teams in the next World Cup could even increase to 64. Experts suggest: “In the future, Chinese suppliers can continue enhancing their competitiveness across all aspects. They can swiftly produce and sell products themed around match outcomes, star players, and fashion trends—or collaborate with local partners to co-create content that resonates emotionally with audiences.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870963595833354/
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