As excitement builds for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, a Nantong-based manufacturer has successfully completed a major international order.

Nantong Xiake Sports Goods, the only company in Nantong certified by FIFA to produce official World Cup merchandise, has finalized the delivery of 1 million souvenir soccer balls. The final shipment of 200,000 units departed the city at the end of May, marking the completion of this massive project.

Located in Yudong Town, Haimen District, Xiake Sports is a seasoned veteran on the world stage. The company has secured orders for official FIFA souvenir balls for four consecutive World Cup tournaments.

"Every stage of our production process undergoes rigorous self-inspection," explained Yu Guiping, General Manager of Xiake Sports. "Furthermore, FIFA officials conduct unannounced on-site inspections to ensure that raw materials, personnel, and the production environment strictly adhere to international standards."

To combat counterfeiting, every ball in this order is equipped with a unique "digital identity." By scanning the exclusive code provided by FIFA, consumers can verify the authenticity of their product directly through the official FIFA platform.

Domestic demand is also surging. Yu noted that with the rise of Jiangsu Football City League (JSCL) and other local urban soccer leagues across China, domestic orders have jumped 30% year-on-year, with production schedules currently booked through the second half of the year.

The success of Xiake Sports is indicative of a broader industrial trend in Yudong Town, which has cultivated a robust soccer manufacturing ecosystem. The town is home to over 10 soccer-related enterprises, including four major industrial-scale companies.

This collaborative supply chain proved vital for meeting the demanding specifications of the FIFA World Cup. Gaoqiao Sports, a key supplier of internal bladders for Xiake, worked in tandem with the manufacturer to refine material formulas and production techniques. These efforts ensured that the balls met exacting standards for airtightness and elasticity. Buoyed by the "World Cup effect," Gaoqiao Sports has seen its own shipment volume for bladder components grow by nearly 40%.