Benin is set to play a central role in producing the official jerseys for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a development that highlights both the country’s growing textile industry and Africa’s emerging position in global sports manufacturing. The announcement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the World Trade Organization ministerial conference in February 2024 confirmed that a significant portion of the tournament’s apparel will be made in Africa, with Benin’s Glo‑Djigbé Industrial Zone taking center stage.
The GDIZ, located near Cotonou, has rapidly evolved into a hub for modern textile production. Once primarily an exporter of raw cotton, Benin is now transforming its cotton into finished, high-quality jerseys, providing opportunities for job creation, skills development, and industrial growth. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen local manufacturing and integrate Africa more deeply into global value chains.
Benin’s involvement in producing World Cup jerseys is more than a milestone for football. It represents a significant achievement in industrialization, showcasing Africa’s ability to deliver on international projects while building capacity and expertise at home. As the world prepares for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Benin’s factories will stand as a symbol of the continent’s potential in manufacturing and innovation.
