The 2026 World Cup will kick off this summer with matches hosted in cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada – and promo is getting ready.

“Soccer” and “soccer ball” were the two fastest-growing ESP search terms in the first quarter, spiking 187% and 128%, respectively, compared with Q1 last year, according to the latest ASI Research data on top search terms in ASI’s sourcing platform and integrated marketplace.

Also on the upswing in Q1 were searches for “canvas tote,” possibly fueled by yet another miniature and full-size tote bag drop from cult-followed grocery store Trader Joe’s. The lavender and pastel shades – once again – went viral for the chain, with some eager shoppers camping out to get their hands on one. Similar bag silhouettes have already crossed over to the promo industry, to great success, suppliers told Counselor at ASI Shows earlier this year.

More distributors, too, searched for desk accessories like “tech organizers” (up 33%) and “gel pen” (up 24%), as well as “challenge coins” (up 24%), which rose for the second consecutive quarter. The uptick in searches mirrors Google Trends data showing heightened interest in the commemorative items over the past few years, with a peak in the fall.

On the opposite end, searches for tumbler brand “Stanley” declined 41% year over year for the first quarter, continuing the decline of the once-viral 40-ounce Quencher from its peak popularity. Searches for “cups” more broadly were also down, though it’s unclear whether this reflects lower demand for products like single-use disposable cups, or that distributors are more interested in other drinkware options.

Searches for “pickleball” (down 35%) and “basketball” (down 45%) also declined compared to last year’s Q1. Both sports, though, remain popular – a record 26.6 million brackets were submitted to the ESPN Tournament Challenge during March Madness this year, and pickleball participation increased by 23% in 2025.

Outside of these trends, the top 10 searches for Q1 were largely unchanged from previous quarters, though common holiday gifts like “blanket” and “Yeti” dropped off the rankings in favor of warm-weather staples like “sunglasses.”

“Pens” maintained its hold on the number-one overall spot, followed by other top categories like “tote bag,” “tumbler,” “water bottle” and “lanyards,” among others. “Backpacks” also made an appearance on the top 10 for the first time in several quarters.

Several other warm-weather necessities are on the upswing headed into the summer. Other top promo product searches in Q1 2026 included “sunscreen,” “golf towel,” “hand fan” and “beach towel,” which all rose sharply in Q1 compared to the fourth quarter as distributors began prepping for summer campaigns.