World Cup team kits produced by Shenzhou Group. [Photo/Yongpai app]

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, football kits and fan merchandise made in Ningbo are reaching players and supporters around the world.

Shenzhou Group, a leading apparel manufacturer based in Ningbo, produced official match kits for six national teams sponsored by Adidas, including Germany, Spain, Argentina, Italy, Curacao, and Ukraine. Four of those teams qualified for this year's tournament.

The kits worn by the Curacao national team were designed and manufactured entirely by Shenzhou. According to the company, work began on short notice after Curacao secured a historic first appearance at the World Cup. The company began mass shipments in just 120 days, around two months faster than a typical production cycle.

Shenzhou has also reserved production capacity for the latter stages of the tournament. Company representatives said that if one of the teams it supplies goes on to win the World Cup, championship apparel could be produced and shipped within four days to meet anticipated global demand. 

Beyond the kits worn on the pitch, a wide range of World Cup-related products made in Ningbo are also finding buyers overseas. Local companies are supplying hand-held flags, scarves, supporter packs, insulated bottles, ceramic mugs, foldable water bottles, and officially licensed FIFA merchandise.

These capabilities highlight the strength of Ningbo's sports manufacturing sector. According to Ningbo Customs, exports of sporting goods and equipment through Ningbo port reached 5.74 billion yuan ($844 million) in the first quarter, up 11.3 percent year-on-year.

With demand rising during the tournament, local manufacturers are continuing to tap into opportunities created by one of the world's biggest sporting events.