The World Cup has officially begun, and even prior to the first match, retailers in the D.C. area specializing in fan merchandise have reported a noticeable increase in sales.
The World Cup is in full swing, and local stores in the D.C. area dedicated to fan gear experienced a significant uptick in business even before the tournament commenced.
At Rockville Soccer, supervisor Johan Romero noted that the prestigious global event is attracting a steady stream of customers, many of whom are preparing for home viewing parties or planning to visit sports bars to cheer on their teams.
“It’s certainly a busy week with the World Cup here,” he affirmed.
Romero mentioned that this excitement is translating into increased sales, as fans are keen to show their support for their preferred teams and athletes.
“Since the World Cup started, we’re seeing about double the sales and foot traffic compared to usual,” Romero stated.
The interest in various countries’ teams showcases the area’s diversity and the widespread appeal of soccer around the world.
“We’re seeing a lot of interest in major teams like France, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.S.,” he added.
While jerseys of prominent teams are the most sought-after items, Romero also pointed out that customers are eager to purchase cleats and gear similar to that worn by professional players during matches.
“People really want to feel connected to what their sports idols wear on the field,” he said.
A similar surge in activity has been noted at PJ’s Soccer Lacrosse in Bethesda. Owner Phil Gallipo Jr. called the World Cup one of the busiest times for his business.
“This is comparable to Christmas in terms of sales,” Gallipo remarked.
He reported that fans frequent both the Bethesda and Tyson’s, Virginia, locations throughout the day, frequently picking up jerseys right before the games begin.
“The atmosphere is fantastic! We have customers coming in all day to grab their jerseys,” he stated.
This heightened demand has significantly boosted sales compared to a regular month.
“For this month, we’re looking at an increase of about 30 to 40% in retail sales compared to last year,” he indicated.
In addition to jerseys, another trending item this year is the Panini FIFA World Cup 2026 trading stickers, which have become particularly popular among children and collectors. Buyers often purchase packs without knowing the contents, then trade with each other to complete their collections.
Some of these stickers can be highly valuable, especially those featuring player images with a black background.
“One particularly rare sticker features Lionel Messi; if you manage to get the black background version, it could be worth around $100,000,” Gallipo explained.
Both stores agree that the World Cup is not just boosting sales; it is also fostering community, as customers come together to share their excitement and passion for soccer as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
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