Panini produces 2 billion sticker packs for 2026 World Cup album

Panini has produced more than 2 billion sticker packs for the 2026 World Cup album, each containing seven stickers, according to the company. The album contains 980 distinct stickers due to the expanded 48-team field. Madrid newsstands are limiting customers to two packs each because of high demand.

Some stores have sold out and placed additional orders, with backorders expected to arrive after the tournament ends.

Sticker trading and album completion Collectors have organized swap meets at stores and public venues to exchange duplicate stickers. One participant recorded 7 hours and 47 minutes to place all 980 stickers into an album. The packs retail for about $2 each. Special editions with colored borders have drawn higher interest from some buyers.

License transition after 2030 Panini will lose the rights to produce World Cup stickers and cards after the 2030 tournament. Fanatics will assume production of FIFA collectibles beginning with the 2034 event. A shop owner who sells the stickers said Fanatics may not replicate the same cultural reach outside the United States. Some collectors have expressed concern over the change in licensing.