With the draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 now in the books and anticipation building across North America, Panini America has revealed a major first in the history of its iconic sticker collection: a special, dedicated cover for Mexico.
The landmark decision adds a new layer of meaning to the buildup for the first World Cup to be co-hosted by three countries and signals how expansive and ambitious the 2026 tournament is expected to be.
Panini has already unveiled its Canada-United States cover design for the upcoming album, a colorful presentation anchored by the tournament’s official emblem, the FIFA World Cup Trophy and the company’s timeless “bicycle kick” logo inspired by Carlo Parola.
The biggest edition of the tournament
That global cover will roll out in the coming months as the world approaches the biggest edition of the tournament ever, featuring 48 national teams across Canada, Mexico and the United States. What makes this cycle different from every previous one is that Mexico will also receive its own exclusive cover, marking the first time Panini has ever produced a host-specific edition of its World Cup sticker album.
The significance of the move goes well beyond design. The Panini FIFA World Cup collection has been a global tradition for more than five decades, captivating generations of fans since its first edition debuted for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
By creating a Mexico-specific cover for 2026, Panini is both honoring that history and acknowledging the country’s central role as a three-time World Cup host and as one of the sport’s most passionate markets. The special cover will also launch a limited-time pre-order campaign on Amazon, adding commercial momentum to the unveiling.
One of the most powerful cultural extensions
From FIFA’s perspective, the sticker album remains one of the most powerful cultural extensions of the World Cup. Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, emphasized that the Panini collection has long served as a unifying tradition that connects families, collectors and fans across generations.
He described the album as more than a collectible, calling it a symbol of the anticipation and shared joy that define the tournament experience. For Panini America, the Mexico cover represents a new way of celebrating both the World Cup and the expanding footprint of the brand in North America.
Chief Executive Officer Mark Warsop said the Canada-United States edition is only the first step in a broader strategy tied to stickers, trading cards and other collectibles throughout the tournament cycle. The addition of a Mexico-exclusive cover reinforces that 2026 will not follow the traditional template in any sense, from the tournament’s 48-team format to the way fans engage with its most recognizable collectibles.
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