FIFA has ended its partnership with Italian sticker company Panini after more than fifty years and will collaborate with US online retailer Fanatics beginning in 2031 to produce official World Cup stickers.
Panini’s first World Cup sticker album was released ahead of the 1970 tournament in Mexico, won by Brazil.
Over the decades, the albums became a global phenomenon. Just on Monday, Panini unveiled its album for the upcoming World Cup, featuring 980 stickers from 48 participating nations across 112 pages.
The Italian company had signed an agreement with FIFA in December 2023 to remain a partner until the 2030 World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the move a strategic step forward.
"Across the sporting world, Fanatics is driving remarkable innovation in collectables, offering fans new and meaningful ways to engage with their favourite teams and players," he said. "With our global tournaments, we can expand this fan experience even further."
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin also expressed excitement, calling it a milestone for his company.
"Football represents the largest growth opportunity in sports. By combining FIFA’s global reach with Fanatics’ innovation, we aim to elevate the experience of football collectibles to an unprecedented level."
