The U.S. men’s national team’s 2026 World Cup jerseys were designed in Oregon but manufactured in Thailand, Nike confirmed to Newsweek on June 12, 2026, after a group of domestic manufacturers criticized the choice.
The details
- The Alliance for American Manufacturing said in a June 2 post that Nike had USA production in its supply chain and chose not to use it. “Nike didn’t have to offshore these kits,” the group’s Jennifer Snyder wrote.
- A Nike spokesperson said the kits were designed in Beaverton, Ore., and made in Thailand “through a specialized supplier network,” with production decisions reflecting product specifications, technical capability and capacity.
- Newsweek reported Nike worked with 664 supplier factories in 35 countries as of April 2025, with about 4% in the USA.
- Nike has said it paid about $1 billion in IEEPA tariffs before the Supreme Court struck those duties down in February 2026.
Why it matters for Made in USA
Performance jerseys rely on polyester knits, sublimation printing and finishing that are concentrated in Asia, so even a team wearing the flag is rarely in USA-made kits. The debate shows the gap between patriotic branding and where clothing is actually made. Related: the cost of USA-made denim.
FAQ
Where were the USMNT World Cup kits made?
In Thailand, according to Nike. They were designed in Beaverton, Oregon.
Who criticized Nike?
The Alliance for American Manufacturing, a group of domestic manufacturers and the United Steelworkers.
Why are jerseys rarely made in the USA?
Technical fabrics, printing and finishing are concentrated in Asian factory clusters, and USA labor costs are higher.
Source & credit
Originally reported by Newsweek (Jesus Mesa), June 12, 2026: “Team USA’s World Cup Kits Aren’t Made in America Despite Trump’s Tariffs”