Soccer-Fanatics-owned Topps to produce FIFA trading cards, collectibles from 2031

Collectibles brand Topps is ​set to produce exclusive ​FIFA-themed stickers and trading ‌cards ​from 2031, after its parent company Fanatics signed a long-term licensing deal ‌with the global soccer body, ending FIFA's six-decade partnership with Panini.

Collectibles brand Topps is ​set to produce exclusive ​FIFA-themed stickers and trading ‌cards ​from 2031, after its parent company Fanatics signed a long-term licensing deal ‌with the global soccer body, ending FIFA's six-decade partnership with Panini. Panini, which has produced stickers and trading cards for every ‌World Cup since 1970, will remain FIFA's partner until ‌the 2030 edition.

The new deal with Fanatics will introduce the popular jersey patch program, including debut patches, into football trading cards from 2031 ⁠onwards. "All ​products will ⁠be designed and developed through Fanatics Collectibles and produced under the Topps ⁠brand," FIFA said in a statement on Thursday.

FIFA had earlier ​announced a partnership with Fanatics Fest NYC, a four-day ⁠event in New York organised by Fanatics that will coincide with the ⁠World ​Cup final in New Jersey on July 19. The pre-match press conferences ahead of the World Cup final ⁠will take place at the Fanatics Fest on July 17, ⁠FIFA said ⁠on Thursday.

The announcement did not clarify whether fans will be allowed to attend the press ‌conferences ‌alongside the media.