Fifa announced this Thursday an exclusive licensing agreement with Fanatics Collectibles. The partnership places the Topps brand in charge of producing sticker albums, collectible cards and card games linked to the entity’s competitions from 2031 onwards. The movement ends a six-decade relationship with Panini, which has produced official albums since Copa in 1970.
The new contract covers physical and digital products. Fanatics already operates in other commercial areas with Fifa and is now expanding this activity to the collectibles segment.
Historical Parceria comes to an end in 2030
Panini will continue to be responsible for Copa’s 2026 and 2030 Copa albums. The agreement with Fanatics goes into full effect thereafter. The Italian company dominated the Copas sticker market for 60 years and became part of the memory of generations of fans.
Fontes close to the deal confirm that Panini’s last album will be 2030. The transition was planned to avoid immediate interruptions in current production.
- Panini continues with Copa from 2026, already in distribution
- The 2030 album marks the end of the partnership
- Fanatics Topps takes over from 2031 on all Fifa tournaments
- Contrato includes men’s and women’s competitions
Inovações promised by Fanatics Topps
The new partner plans to include patches from shirts worn by players on official cards. Esse format is already common in Estados Unidos leagues and should reach international football. The production also foresees greater integration between physical and digital items.
Fanatics Collectibles, owner of Topps since 2022, will develop all products. The focus is on bringing fans closer to athletes and clubs through more interactive collectibles.
Declarações of Infantino and executives of Fanatics
Gianni Infantino, president of Fifa, highlighted the potential for engagement. Ele cited Fanatics’s ability to create new ways of connecting between fans, clubs and players. Segundo himself, the partnership generates revenue that will be reinvested in football.
Michael Rubin, founder of Fanatics, classified the day as historic. Ele pointed to global football as a great opportunity for growth. Mike Mahan, CEO of Fanatics Collectibles, reinforced the objective of bringing tournament fans and athletes closer together.
Distribuição of free items and impact on grassroots football
Fanatics said it will give away more than $150 million in free collectibles throughout the partnership. The material will serve to encourage grassroots football and bring children and young people closer to the sport.
Essa initiative is part of the strategy to expand the reach of Fifa tournaments. The free products must reach training programs in different countries.
Fanatics reinforces presence at Copa in 2026
Além of collectibles, the company will handle official retail and merchandising operations for Copa from 2026. Isso includes in-stadium stores and activations in fan areas.
The press conferences prior to the final will take place within Fanatics Fest, scheduled for July 17, 2026 at Nova York. Dois days later, on the 19th, the event will promote public broadcast of the decision on big screens on Javits Center. The 2026 Copa will be the first with 48 teams and will be hosted by Estados Unidos, México and Canadá.
Reações initials in the collectibles market
Colecionadores follows the transition with anticipation. The inclusion of used shirt patches should attract audiences who already follow similar formats in other sports. At the same time, changing brands after so long generates curiosity about the look and quality of new products.
Panini has not yet officially commented on the end of the partnership. The company remains responsible for the production and distribution of Copa’s current 2026 album.
The agreement reinforces Fifa’s strategy of expanding commercial revenues. The entity seeks to diversify sources of income to reinvest in the development of world football. Fanatics, in turn, consolidates its position as a major player in the segment of licensed sports items.