The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just days away from kicking off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and football fever has reached a fever pitch in Bangladesh. Despite the national team not qualifying for the tournament, Bangladeshi fans are flooding markets nationwide to buy jerseys, flags, and custom-printed merchandise of their favorite international teams.
According to multiple reports from Dhaka’s major sports markets, Argentina and Brazil jerseys dominate sales, followed by Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, and England. Retailers at Gulistan’s bustling sports hub and the popular Twin Tower Market report strong demand across all price points. Standard replica jerseys sell for as low as Tk 150, while premium player-edition kits can reach up to Tk 1,700.
Custom Printing Creates a Booming Market
One of the most interesting trends this World Cup season is the booming demand for custom t-shirt printing and jersey personalization services. Across the streets of Gulistan, small shops specializing in name-and-number printing report a surge in orders. Fans are paying Tk 50 to Tk 150 to have their favorite player’s name printed onto their jerseys. Lionel Messi’s Argentina kits remain the most requested, followed by Brazilian and Portuguese star players.
This personalization trend presents a massive opportunity for apparel businesses in Bangladesh. The demand for custom lettering, screen-printed names, and heat-pressed numbers peaks every four years around the World Cup, but savvy retailers are capitalizing by offering year-round customization for local sports leagues and school tournaments.
Online Retailers Join the Jersey Craze
Foodpanda Bangladesh has entered the jersey market for the first time, partnering with over 20 specialized stores to offer rapid delivery of World Cup kits in under an hour across Dhaka neighborhoods including Gulshan, Uttara, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, and Bashundhara. Prices on the platform range from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500, with jerseys from nearly 20 countries available.
Online retailer Haritaki has also expanded its World Cup collection to include themed sharis priced at Tk 1,500, reflecting how the tournament’s influence is extending beyond traditional sportswear into broader fashion and custom printed apparel.
World Cup Watch Parties Drive Fan Gear Demand
Community viewing events are taking shape across the country. Nutmeg FC, a new football community in Dhaka, recently hosted a sold-out UEFA Champions League final watch party and plans to organize regular screenings during the World Cup. They are also producing export-quality football jerseys made locally in Bangladesh.
In Bogra, Brazil and Argentina supporters held a joint rally at Altafunnesa Stadium, exchanging gifts and dancing together. In Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Argentina fans organized a colorful bike showdown and cultural concert. In Rangamati, bridges have been painted in team colors and unofficially named Brazil Bridge and Argentina Bridge.
For apparel businesses and screen printing services, the World Cup represents one of the biggest seasonal opportunities of the year. With fan events and watch parties planned nationwide, the demand for team-branded t-shirts, flags, and customized fan gear is expected to keep climbing as the tournament progresses.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11 with the Bangladesh government having secured broadcast rights through state-owned BTV, ensuring millions of fans can watch matches for free. Whether you are an Argentina supporter or a Brazil fan, now is the time to get your jersey and show your colors.