Report by Tribun-Papua.com journalist, Melky Dogopia
TRIBUN-PAPUA.COM, NABIRE – The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun to spread across Nabire Regency, Central Papua Province.
This festive atmosphere has brought good fortune for many temporary vendors who have set up stalls along Yos Sudarso Street, Oyehe Subdistrict, Nabire District.
Interestingly, out of the 48 nations competing in this year’s World Cup, traders said that local buyers are particularly drawn to merchandise from just five countries.
The top five national teams whose flags and jerseys are selling fastest—or at least most frequently asked about—are Argentina, France, Senegal, Brazil, and Portugal.
This was revealed by several seasonal traders when interviewed by TribunPapuaTengah.com along Yos Sudarso Street in Nabire on Thursday afternoon, June 4, 2026.
One of the temporary vendors, Dino Wali, shared that he began operating his stall on May 24, 2026.
“As a seasonal seller, I started this business because of the 2026 World Cup,” Dino told TribunPapuaTengah.com.
“Since I opened in late May until now, Argentina, France, Senegal, Brazil, and Portugal have been the best-sellers,” he continued.
Besides these five popular nations, Dino added that some buyers also ask about other teams, though not as often.
“There are also people asking for the Netherlands, Germany, Croatia, England, and Spain. They’re not as popular, but some still ask,” Dino explained.
Argentina and Brazil Flags Steal the Spotlight
Similarly, another seasonal vendor named Sawan, who specializes in selling flags of different sizes and designs, said he has also benefited from the four-yearly football celebration.
Having opened his stall on May 28, 2026, Sawan said the flags of Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil, and Senegal have been the most sought after.
“The most frequently purchased or asked-for flags are from Argentina, Brazil, France, Spain, and Senegal,” Sawan noted.
Meanwhile, Sawan said that countries such as Croatia, the Netherlands, Portugal, England, and Germany have seen less interest from buyers.
“There are buyers who ask about other nations too, but mostly just to check the prices,” he added.
Another vendor, Arifin, who sells jerseys in the same area, confirmed experiencing the same trend over the past week.
“I sell jerseys of various sizes and flags at different prices. The most sold items are from Argentina, Brazil, France, Senegal, and Spain,” Arifin said.
Price List of World Cup Jerseys and Flags in Nabire
For football enthusiasts in Nabire looking to pick up their favourite team’s merchandise, here are the price details:
Although daily profits are relatively modest, these seasonal traders remain optimistic that their total earnings during the 2026 World Cup tournament will be quite rewarding.
Through this opportunity, many of them also hope that local youth and entrepreneurs in Nabire can take advantage of such economic prospects to start creative ventures rather than engaging in negative or harmful activities.
