FIFA has switched its trading card partnership from Panini to Topps, owned by Fanatics, with new products launching in 2031. The partnership will include physical and digital collectibles, trading cards, and stickers.
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FIFA leaves Panini for Topps and Fanatics partnership
FIFA has made a major move by switching trading card partners from Panini to Topps, which is owned by Fanatics. The governing body made the announcement on Thursday, saying in a press release that the new product will roll out in 2031, including physical and digital collectibles, trading cards, stickers and trading card games.
Fanatics already has a deal with FIFA for this summer's World Cup as the federation's retail and merchandise partner. Thursday's announcement included the news that Fanatics Fest will host the pre-match press conferences for the Would Cup final on July 17. Fanatics Fest will also host a watch party for the final on July 19.
Topps, which was acquired by Fanatics in 2022, will introduce player patches to international soccer for the first time. The player patch program has already seen massive success in other sports. A Paul Skenes rookie debut patch card sold for $1.1 million in March. A Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant card featuring a jersey patch from each NBA icon sold for $3.2 million in December.
With World Cup qualifying now complete, national teams around the globe are turning their attention toward soccer's biggest tournament.
These are 12 incredible players to watch as they represent their countries on the World Cup stage.
Above, Swedenâs Alexander Isak plays for his national team. The forward is set to be one of the key figures for Sweden at the World Cup as he continues his role leading the attack for club and country.
FIFA switched to Topps, owned by Fanatics, to enhance its trading card offerings and introduce new products.
FIFA and Topps will release physical and digital collectibles, trading cards, stickers, and trading card games starting in 2031.
The new FIFA trading cards and collectibles are set to roll out in 2031.
Fanatics Fest will host pre-match press conferences and a watch party for the FIFA World Cup final, highlighting Fanatics' role as FIFA's retail and merchandise partner.
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Sweden's forward Viktor Gyokeres, right.
Arda Guler of Turkey, right.
Hakan Calhanoglu of Turkey
Turkey's forward Kenan Yildiz
Patrik Schick of Czechia, top.
Czechia's midfielder Tomas Soucek.
Bosnia-Herzegovina's forward Edin Dzeko, left.
Ermedin Demirovic of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Iraq's forward Ayman Hussein, left.
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With World Cup qualifying now complete, national teams around the globe are turning their attention toward soccer's biggest tournament.
These are 12 incredible players to watch as they represent their countries on the World Cup stage.
Above, Swedenâs Alexander Isak plays for his national team. The forward is set to be one of the key figures for Sweden at the World Cup as he continues his role leading the attack for club and country.
1 / 10
With World Cup qualifying now complete, national teams around the globe are turning their attention toward soccer's biggest tournament.
These are 12 incredible players to watch as they represent their countries on the World Cup stage.
Above, Swedenâs Alexander Isak plays for his national team. The forward is set to be one of the key figures for Sweden at the World Cup as he continues his role leading the attack for club and country.
2 / 10
Sweden's forward Viktor Gyokeres, right.
3 / 10
Arda Guler of Turkey, right.
4 / 10
Hakan Calhanoglu of Turkey
5 / 10
Turkey's forward Kenan Yildiz
6 / 10
Patrik Schick of Czechia, top.
7 / 10
Czechia's midfielder Tomas Soucek.
8 / 10
Bosnia-Herzegovina's forward Edin Dzeko, left.
9 / 10
Ermedin Demirovic of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
10 / 10
Iraq's forward Ayman Hussein, left.
Topps published a social media post sharing the news of the FIFA partnership with a graphic featuring Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Trinity Rodman, Marta and more, showing they are ready to capitalize on the excitement around international soccer stars.
FIFA and Panini have been partners since 1970. Panini lost its exclusive NFL rights to Topps this spring. Topps also has the exclusive rights for MLB, NBA and F1 trading cards.
The two companies are currently engaged in an antitrust battle. Yahoo Sports reported that Panini filed a lawsuit in 2023, claiming that Topps was creating a monopoly and Topps filed its own lawsuit against its rival. The legal battle is ongoing.