ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s globally renowned sporting goods industry has once again earned international recognition, with footballs manufactured in Sialkot being featured in eight of the last 10 FIFA World Cups.
The achievement highlights the enduring reputation of the city as one of the world’s leading centres for football production. Over the past three decades, Sialkot has played a key role in supplying official match balls for some of the biggest tournaments in international football.
According to industry data, footballs produced in Sialkot were used in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, the 1994 tournament in the United States, the 1998 World Cup in France and the 2002 edition co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. More recently, Sialkot-manufactured footballs featured in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The official match ball for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is also being produced in Sialkot, further reinforcing Pakistan’s presence on football’s biggest stage.
Sialkot’s success is attributed to its skilled workforce, decades of manufacturing expertise and ability to meet strict international quality standards. The city exports sporting goods to more than 100 countries and remains a major contributor to Pakistan’s export sector.
Industry experts say the continued selection of Sialkot-made footballs for FIFA World Cups reflects the trust global brands place in Pakistani craftsmanship and production quality.
As preparations continue for the 2026 tournament, Pakistan’s football manufacturing industry remains a source of national pride, demonstrating the country’s ability to compete successfully in specialised global markets.
