Warning: Fake Football Shirts Now Feature Correct Product Codes - 2 Ways to Still 'Code Check' Fake Kits
Jun 7, 2026, by Chris
- New Counterfeit Tactic: Fake football shirts, specifically Brazil 2026 World Cup kits, are now being produced with correct Nike product codes on their internal labels, bypassing a long-standing authenticity check.
- Impact on Verification: This new tactic provides a false sense of security to buyers, as searching the copied product code now incorrectly validates the legitimacy of a fake shirt by displaying authentic results.
- Evolving Authenticity Checks: With the product code method compromised, buyers must now rely on detailed inspection of fabric quality, stitching, crest application, and overall cut to identify counterfeit football shirts.
Update - Sunday, June 7, 2026: Even if counterfeit kit might now have the correct SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), there are still at least two ways to identify fake Nike kits from the labels, but it is way harder.
Barcode Check (Method by vladieboi)
Every authentic Nike kit has a correct barcode, while fakes come with a wrong barcode. You can reverse check the number seen on the barcode of the kit - if it directs to a wrong product, it is probably a fake.
Nike Authentic Label Check (Method by @amyalby2904)
Every nike kit features a special tag with a unique 10-digit-code on the lower left hem. Every official Nike kit has a different code - fakers copy the same code, which means that if this code is seen on another shirt then it is 99,99999% a fake (the fakers likely copied it from authentic Nike kits, and used that code - but the chance is to have a official with a copied number is lower than winning the main price in any lottery.
For years, one of the most reliable methods for football shirt collectors to verify authenticity was to simply search the product code found on the small inside wash label. If the search engine results displayed a completely different piece of apparel, the shirt was an obvious fake. However, things could have changed forever now.
Fake Brazil 2026 World Cup Kits With Correct Product Codes
Apparently, counterfeit manufacturers have updated their production methods to actively bypass this standard verification check. As highlighted by @niclasico, trusted retailer of authentic classic kits, there are counterfeit versions of the Brazil 2026 World Cup home and away shirts with the correct Nike product codes on their internal labels.
When an unsuspecting buyer types these copied codes into a search engine, the authentic Brazil jerseys appear in the shopping results, providing a false sense of security and incorrectly validating the fake shirt's legitimacy.
So far, the correct product codes have only been seen for Brazil fakes. It seems well possible that counterfeiters will apply this same tactic to the most popular kits from Adidas, Nike, and Puma.
Official Vs Fake Brazil World Cup Kits
With the classic label code check no longer serving as a foolproof authenticity test, buyers navigating resale platforms will now have to rely much more heavily on closely inspecting fabric quality, stitching, crest application, and overall cut to spot fakes.
How confident are you in your ability to spot a counterfeit football shirt without relying on the inner product code? Let us know in the comments below.
Club Libertad 26-27 Home Kit Released
Paraguayan side Club Libertad has officially unveiled its new home kit for the 26-27 season. Made by Puma, the new jersey will be worn by the Gumarelo in their upcoming domestic and international campaigns.
The Puma Club Libertad 26-27 home jersey features the traditional colors expected by fans, brought to life with the brand's latest template and performance technology. The club launched the new kit with a message highlighting their readiness to continue writing history and achieving new goals for the upcoming season.
Eintracht Trier 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
The new Eintracht Trier 26-27 home and away shirts have been released. Made by Nike, the new Eintracht Trier home and away kits will be worn in the upcoming Regionalliga Südwest season.
Nike continues its partnership with the German side, providing the home and away options for their fourth-tier campaign.
Otelul Galati 26-27 Third Kit Revealed
Romanian club SC Otelul Galati have revealed their new 26-27 third kit, made by Adidas.
The new kit is based on the new Adidas 26 Tiro template, featuring a navy base with white logos and white side panels.
Śląsk Wrocław 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Polish club Śląsk Wrocław has officially unveiled its new 26-27 home and away kits. Produced by Macron, who replace Nike as the club's technical sponsor, the new shirts celebrate the team's 80th anniversary with bespoke designs and elegant detailing.
The Śląsk Wrocław 26-27 home kit introduces a classy look in the club's traditional dark green, complemented by prominent gold accents and a classic polo collar. Half of the front features a distinctive ornamental pattern inspired by the City Museum of Wrocław, highlighting local identity and the club's rich history. To further mark the 80-year milestone, special golden elements and an anniversary emblem are seamlessly incorporated into the design.
For the alternate option, the Śląsk Wrocław 26-27 away kit opts for a clean ecru base combined with subtle green and red stripes. It continues the anniversary theme with golden logos, providing a sleek and modern look for the team's travels.
Atlético La Paz 26-27 Kits Released
Mexican Liga de Expansión side Club Atlético La Paz have officially presented their new 26-27 kits.
Made by Sporelli, the jerseys were revealed ahead of the new season with a promotional video and the club slogan 'Soy tu escudo, soy tu espada' (I am your shield, I am your sword). The Sporelli Atlético La Paz 26-27 jerseys feature a bespoke design inspired by the region's geographical landscape, adopting the theme 'Entre el mar y el desierto' (Between the sea and the desert).
This aesthetic is brought to life through striking color palettes, prominently featuring orange and black to represent the contrast of the local environment in Baja California Sur. The launch campaign incorporates the hashtag #SomosPAZion to build excitement and unite the fanbase. The new Sporelli Club Atlético La Paz 26-27 kits are set to be worn throughout the upcoming Liga de Expansión MX season.
Comunicaciones FC 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Guatemalan powerhouse Comunicaciones FC have officially launched their new 26-27 home and away kits for the upcoming Torneo Apertura 2026 season. The kits are produced by Adidas, continuing a long-term partnership with the brand and exclusive distributor Sportline.
The Adidas Comunicaciones 26-27 home jersey features a traditional all-white design, celebrating the club's rich history and iconic colors. It incorporates subtle design elements throughout the shirt, offering a clean and classic look for the team's home fixtures.
In addition to the home shirt, the club also revealed the Adidas Comunicaciones 26-27 away kit, providing a contrasting option for the team on the road. Both new shirts will be worn in the Liga Bantrab as the historic club aims to add to their domestic success.
Cavan Sullivan Debuts First-Ever Adidas 3D-Printed Football Boots
Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan made history by debuting Adidas' first-ever 3D-printed football boots during the MLS match against the New York Red Bulls on July 23, 2026. This milestone marks the very first time fully 3D-printed football boots have been worn in a professional match.
The boots were developed through Adidas' Project R.A.P. (Radical Athlete Perception), utilizing advanced additive manufacturing techniques. This innovative process allows for a completely bespoke and personalized fit, providing precisely tuned support based on the athlete's exact foot shape and biomechanical needs. Visually, the boots stand out with a futuristic ribbed design in a striking pink and red colorway, clearly showcasing the unique structural layers created by the 3D-printing technology.
Aston Villa Announce Record Betano Sleeve Sponsorship
Aston Villa has officially announced a three-year partnership extension with Kaizen Gaming, confirming Betano as the club's Official Sleeve Partner until the end of the 28-29 season. The agreement is recognized as the most valuable sleeve sponsorship deal in the history of the football club.
Previously serving as Aston Villa's front-of-shirt principal partner since 2024, Betano transitions to the left sleeve of the official match shirts. This strategic shift allows the club to maintain a lucrative commercial relationship while complying with the Premier League's voluntary ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsors, which takes effect at the start of the 26-27 season.
The Betano branding will continue to be a prominent fixture on Aston Villa's kits as the club builds on its recent UEFA Champions League qualification and UEFA Europa League success. The new sleeve sponsor logo will debut on the kits for the upcoming 26-27 campaign.
Fluminense 26-27 Third Kit Released
Puma has officially unveiled the new Fluminense 26-27 third kit, introducing a stunning design that pays tribute to the club's birthplace. The launch campaign features players Thiago Silva and Hulk, highlighting the Laranjeiras neighborhood where the club was founded 124 years ago.
The Puma Fluminense 26-27 third shirt features a green base complemented by golden-beige details. A key element of the design is the inclusion of the club's old shield, alongside a darker watermark pattern mapping the Laranjeiras neighborhood across the fabric. The look is completed with a classic polo collar.
Cancún FC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Mexican Liga MX Expansion side Cancún FC has officially revealed its new Adidas away kit for the 26-27 season. It boasts a striking look in hi-vis green and gold.
The launch follows the club's popular release of the limited-edition 'Dark Cenote' special kit earlier in July, which featured a color-changing dark gradient design paying homage to the underwater systems of Quintana Roo.
CE Sabadell 26-27 Home Kit Released
Spanish club CE Sabadell have officially unveiled their new 26-27 home kit, produced by Kappa. The launch celebrates the team's rich history and local identity with the tagline "Our roots. Our heritage. El tresor més preciat de Sabadell."
The Kappa CE Sabadell 26-27 home shirt features the club's traditional blue and white harlequin design. This iconic quartered pattern has been a staple of their identity since 1913.
The Kappa CE Sabadell 2026-2027 home uniform is available for purchase at the Estadi de la Nova Creu Alta starting July 24, with an online store release following shortly after.