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KW 360: Bringing FIFA World Cup 2026 to Fans Across the U.S.
As the official U.S. distributor for FIFA World Cup 2026, KW 360 is leveraging exclusive licensing, deep retail expertise, and data-driven strategies to meet soaring demand for soccer merchandise.
At SLATS 2025, we spoke with Barak Ulin, representing KW 360, the official U.S. distributor for Wagons International, FIFA World Cup 2026’s largest global licensee. With a history in sports licensing dating back to 1988, KW 360 is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing momentum of soccer in the U.S.
Why KW 360 Is Investing in FIFA World Cup 2026
The U.S. last hosted the World Cup in 1994—a time when soccer’s foothold in the country was far less secure. Fast forward to today, and the sport has reached new heights with global superstars like Lionel Messi playing in the U.S., a rapidly diversifying demographic, and a national audience more engaged than ever.
“With soccer’s popularity surging and the U.S. hosting the World Cup again, we see massive sales and retail opportunities,” Ulin explained.
How KW 360 Stands Out in the Market
Wagons International holds exclusive global rights for all two-and-a-half and three-dimensional FIFA products, meaning no other company can produce replica trophies or unique 3D collectibles. This exclusivity gives KW 360 an advantage, offering products that no competitor can replicate.
“We’ve been a global licensee for the last five World Cups, and that experience, combined with our exclusive rights, gives us a unique position in the market,” Ulin said.
Data-Driven Strategy for Go-To-Market Success
Rather than relying on broad industry trends, KW 360 takes a customer-first approach, using data from major retailers like Walmart and 7-Eleven to shape its distribution strategy.
“7-Eleven tells us everything should be under $10, while Walmart sees Christmas 2025 as a major sales window,” Ulin shared. “We let real market demand guide our strategy.”
Additionally, KW 360 works with display manufacturing partners to develop ship-ready, retail-friendly displays that maximize space efficiency and increase sell-through rates.
Post-Expo Growth Plans
KW 360 is already vendored with major national retailers but sees SLATS 2025 as an opportunity to expand partnerships and open new retail doors.
“The goal is to take the relationships we’re building here and expand our presence in more retail locations across the U.S.,” Ulin said.
While KW 360 is optimistic about market demand, it is also proactively mitigating risks related to tariffs and supply chain disruptions.
“We’re diversifying our manufacturing—producing T-shirts in Mexico, sourcing goods from Taiwan instead of China, and looking at more cost-efficient production hubs,” Ulin explained.
Final Thoughts
As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, KW 360 is poised to deliver officially licensed, exclusive FIFA products to fans nationwide.
“Get excited,” Ulin said. “We’re bringing FIFA World Cup 2026 to retail in a way that’s never been done before.”
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