FIFA ends 56 years with Panini and chooses new producer for World Cup 2026 album

Fifa has ended a partnership lasting more than five decades with Panini and selected a new company to produce the Copa sticker album for Mundo 2026. The decision marks the end of a tradition that began in 1970, when the Italian publisher launched the first official tournament collection at México with 240 stickers. The change represents a significant rupture in the global football merchandising market, where Panini has established itself as a global reference in international competition albums.

The identity of the new company responsible was not officially disclosed at the time of the announcement. The selection process involved a detailed analysis of proposals, production capacity and logistics to meet the expected demand at the North American tournament. Fifa evaluated sustainability criteria, printing quality and reach in more than 100 countries where the albums are sold.

Trajetória 56 years old by Panini on Copas

Desde 1970, the Panini followed the evolution of football and printing technologies. Cada edition expanded in quantity of stickers, graphic quality and visual innovations. The 2022 Copa in Catar totaled 680 different stickers, marking the collection’s peak complexity. The company has won over generations of fans through memorable albums, creating a robust secondary market where old editions reach high prices in specialized auctions.

Panini has incorporated hoograms, special effects and premium editions into recent albums, differentiating its collections. The exclusive contract with Fifa has allowed the Italian publisher to globally dominate a segment that other companies have failed to reach. Apesar of the closure with football’s highest entity, Panini maintains contracts in other confederations and continues to operate in regional markets.

Desafios operational for new producer

The new manufacturer will face high expectations to maintain printing quality, efficient distribution and attractive sticker design. The industry generates estimates between 500 million and 1 billion dollars during Copa and Mundo years, requiring massive production capacity in the months before and during the tournament. Regional Distribuidores across five continents need to align contracts and sales structures with the new partner before January 2026.

Operating procedures include:

• Revisão completes supply chains for printing and global distribution.
• Adequação to the 18-month timeline prior to the start of Copa.
• Desenvolvimento with exclusive and modern designs for stickers.
• Parcerias strategic with retailers and distributors on multiple continents.
• Conformidade complete with copyright and intellectual property regulations of Fifa.

Calendário launch and impact on the collecting market

Normalmente, albums and stickers are released between three and six months before the competition. Para 2026, the schedule follows a similar pattern, allowing production to ramp-up as the tournament date approaches. Colecionadores and retailers will face learning about new suppliers and distribution processes, while convenience stores, supermarkets and global e-commerce platforms receive announcements about the transition.

Old Torcedores show attachment to the Panini brand, while the new supplier tries to win over the audience with updated proposals and visual innovations. The collector market awaits the release of the first images and designs of the 2026 figurines, crucial elements to define acceptance and initial demand. The operational change requires complex coordination between Fifa, manufacturer, distributors and retailers to ensure global availability in the pre-tournament period.

Perspectivas commercials and expectations for 2026

The new producer will need to demonstrate large-scale production capabilities, efficient international logistics and competitive visual innovation. Fifa selected the partner considering experience in global markets, environmental sustainability and quality of finishing. The decision reflects a trend towards renewal in the commercial partnerships of football’s highest entity, seeking modernization and operational efficiency.

The transition marks a significant moment for collectors, retailers and manufacturers involved in the production and distribution chain. Enquanto to Panini ends its cycle with Fifa, the new company assumes responsibility for maintaining the tradition of quality and innovation that has characterized the last five decades of Copa and Mundo albums.