When the world’s eyes are fixed on the FIFA World Cup its stadiums roaring with passion, national anthems echoing across continents, and millions glued to screens Pakistan may seem absent from the scoreboard. Its national football team has never made it to the main stage. Yet, behind the spectacle and just beneath every powerful strike, there lies a quiet but formidable presence: Pakistan’s football manufacturing industry, especially its renowned city Sialkot.
While the country has not fielded a team on the pitch, it has been responsible for something central to the game the football itself. Pakistan, through its industry-leading company Forward Sports, has been consistently producing official match balls and millions of training and replica footballs for FIFA World Cups for more than a decade.
From Brazuca to Al Rihla: A Legacy of Precision
The turning point for Pakistan’s global football recognition came in 2014, when Forward Sports was selected by Adidas to manufacture the “Brazuca”, the official match ball for the Brazil World Cup. The production was not just an economic success it was a matter of national pride. The world learned that the hands crafting the core of football’s biggest event belonged to Pakistani workers.
In 2018, the tradition continued with the production of Telstar 18 for the Russia World Cup. But it was in 2022, during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, that Pakistan’s role became even more prominent. Forward Sports manufactured the official ball “Al Rihla”, meaning “The Journey” in Arabic, reflecting the cultural themes of the host nation. Over 5.5 million footballs were reportedly produced for the 2022 tournament, including around 60,000 top-tier replicas used by teams and sold to fans worldwide.
What sets these footballs apart is their high-quality thermally bonded design, which offers durability, precision, and water resistance a shift from traditional stitched balls to technologically advanced, seamless products. This capability not only earned Pakistan Adidas’ trust but also cemented its role as a global leader in football production.
The Sialkot Factor
Pakistan’s sports manufacturing hub, Sialkot, has long been known for crafting world-class sports gear from cricket bats to hockey sticks. But in the realm of football, it has no rival. Producing over 43 million footballs annually and accounting for approximately 70% of the global supply, Sialkot is the heartbeat of the football industry. More than 8% of the city’s workforce is involved in the sports goods sector, many of them specializing in footballs.
Forward Sports, in particular, has invested heavily in modern technology, ethical labor practices, and international quality control standards, making it a consistent supplier not just for FIFA but for major leagues across Europe and North America.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
While FIFA has not yet officially announced the manufacturer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico industry insiders are confident that Pakistan, once again, will play a key role. If trends hold, Forward Sports is expected to manufacture several million footballs, both for match usage and global distribution.
Given that 2026 will feature 48 teams for the first time (up from 32), the demand for official balls, training balls, and branded fan merchandise is expected to rise significantly. Early estimates suggest production numbers could exceed the 6 million mark, with Pakistan poised to deliver a significant portion.
Moreover, Pakistan’s consistent excellence in meeting global standards may also open new doors for contracts with UEFA, Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and even Olympic football events.
Beyond Business A National Achievement
Pakistan’s role in the World Cup is more than just about exports. It represents how a developing country with limited infrastructure in football can still leave an indelible mark on the game. For the workers of Sialkot, many earning modest wages, their craftsmanship connects them to a global celebration of sport. Each stitch, seam, and thermal bond speaks of Pakistani skill, resilience, and contribution to international culture.
While many Pakistanis still dream of seeing their national team walk into a World Cup stadium, for now, they can proudly say: the game is played with our hands, even if not yet with our feet.
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