Football gear sales more than double on Douyin during 2026 World Cup: report
(ECNS)-- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is driving a surge in sports-related spending in China, with sales of football merchandise on Douyin more than doubling during the tournament, according to a new platform report.
Sales of football-related products surged 113% during the tournament, while overall sports consumption on the platform rose 38% year on year, highlighting a shift from event-driven spending to year-round demand.
The report said the growth is no longer concentrated in China's largest cities. County-level markets have emerged as an increasingly important driver of sports consumption, with sales growth approaching that of first-tier cities.
More consumers are incorporating sports apparel and equipment into their daily lifestyles, expanding sports spending beyond major sporting events.
Douyin said its livestream e-commerce model has helped convert fan enthusiasm into purchases through an integrated "watch-search-buy" experience, allowing users to discover, compare and purchase products through short videos and livestreams.
(By Helen Mo, intern Zou Hanjun)