For more than a half-century, they have accompanied every World Cup, evolving from simple commerce to a shared ritual for millions of fans. However, the Panini sticker albums linked to the FIFA World Cup will disappear after the 2030 edition FIFA has announced a new global agreement with Fanatics, a US sports memorabilia and online store that will oversee the collectibles sector associated with the international federation's tournaments beginning in 2031. The decision ends FIFA's long-standing connection with the Italian publishing business Panini, which was formed in Modena in the 1960s and has since become a symbol of global soccer culture. Panini released their first official World Cup album for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. By the time the centenary World Cup arrives in 2030, the collaboration will have lasted 60 years. Panini World Cup albums have become a true cultural practice in Europe and Latin America, with fans collecting player stickers, exchanging them with friends, and completing the album during every World Cup event for decades. Some historic recordings have even gained significant collector's value: a complete 1970 World Cup album was sold at auction in 2017 for more than £10,000. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the announcement, emphasizing the business and technology aspects of the new relationship. "In the global sports landscape, Fanatics are driving significant innovation in the collectibles sector, providing fans with new, more meaningful ways to connect with their favorite teams and players", he stated. "This enables FIFA to further globalize fan engagement through our portfolio of international competitions. Additionally, it is a significant source of commercial revenue, which we, as always, reinvest in soccer". Panini, however, will continue to be an official FIFA partner for several more years. In December 2023, the Italian company signed an agreement granting it exclusive rights to stickers, trading cards, collectible card games, and digital content related to the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2030 World Cup.