EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Growing up, Landon Donovan eagerly awaited Christmas when he would receive a box of Panini football stickers. He would meticulously organize the stickers, complete his albums, and discover new soccer stars along the way.
Finding the right stickers was always a thrilling adventure, serving not only as a source of fun but also as one of the few means for him to learn about soccer players from various countries.
Now 43, Donovan reflects on how limited his access to soccer knowledge was back then. His two primary sources of information about players were FIFA video games and those iconic Panini stickers.
“I’d get the box, spend hours in my room opening it, placing stickers, and educating myself about players and teams I hadn’t heard of before,” Donovan shared on Wednesday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. “It was a crucial part of my soccer education.”
Donovan attended MetLife Stadium for the U.S. and Canada presentation of Panini’s 2026 FIFA World Cup sticker album. The Panini World Cup Sticker Album has been captivating soccer fans since it was first introduced in 1970, engaging new generations every four years.
Upon entering the suite, Donovan was welcomed by large stickers, including one that debuted in 2002. He holds the record for the most assists in U.S. Men’s National Team history and is tied with Clint Dempsey for the most goals.
“Getting that first sticker was a rite of passage among my friends,” Donovan recounted. “By then, I had already participated in the Olympics and U-17 World Cup, but seeing my sticker was unbelievable. In my circle, it marked a significant milestone for soccer enthusiasts.”
Landon Donovan speaks at the Panini America FIFA World Cup 2026 album cover presentation at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Panini America)
(Dave Kotinski, via Getty Images)
As soccer continues to expand globally, Panini aims to enhance the worldwide appeal of its sticker collection.
In addition to maintaining the fun of collecting stickers representing all World Cup teams — which will increase to 48 in 2026 — the collection will feature exclusive elements for fans. This includes unique parallels available only in North America, featuring one-of-a-kind designs in various colors.
“Panini has always ignited excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup prior to the tournament,” said Panini Senior Vice President Jason Howarth. “That’s why our albums are typically released months ahead of the event, generating buzz within the soccer and collecting communities globally.”
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, set to take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico next year, Panini is focusing on growing its audience in the U.S. and North America. The event on Wednesday introduced the album covers for both the U.S. and Canada, with hopes of making the U.S. the company’s top sales region in 2026.
Historically, Brazil has led in World Cup sticker sales.
“It’s such a culturally significant part of the game that it becomes a monumental event every four years,” Howarth remarked. “We have ideas about its potential, but we can’t fully grasp how immense the 2026 World Cup will be across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.”
The World Cup draw is scheduled for Friday, with 42 of the 48 teams expected to be announced soon. The remaining teams will be identified over the coming months.
Although it may seem early to start the World Cup celebration on a chilly December day in New Jersey, soccer enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement.
“I remember getting it as a Christmas gift when I was a child, and now my kids will experience the same joy,” Donovan shared. “It’s hard to articulate why it’s so thrilling, but for children, it’s incredibly fun.”
While the Panini sticker collection won’t hit the shelves until May, fans can place exclusive pre-orders on Amazon until December 8th. Each pre-order box contains 50 sticker packs, with seven stickers per pack, plus the album itself.
While it may not be the holiday gift of the year, Donovan knows that when the album is released, he and his sons will be eagerly turning the pages to explore the players, just like they did as kids.
“It’s nostalgic, but also exciting for me because I have kids now,” Donovan said. “My two sons are completely obsessed. They perceive these cards’ value as so much greater than their actual worth.”
Fan Take: This news highlights a vital connection between generations of soccer fans, as the Panini sticker album creates a nostalgic bridge to past experiences. For many fans, it not only fosters a deeper love for the sport but also builds lasting memories that can be shared with their own children, enriching the soccer community as it grows.
