The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only a celebration for soccer fans but also the driving force behind a global consumption boom. The workshops of Zhejiang Kayou Technology in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, are bustling with activity as workers package official player cards for this edition of the World Cup.

Kayou — China's largest collectible card maker — has partnered with global sports collectible leader Panini Group to release the 2026 FIFA World Cup Official Soccer Trading Cards.

Panini, which has produced official World Cup player cards since 1986, provides franchise and brand expertise, while Kayou handles production and sales in China.

Official trading cards for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Photo/Tide News]

Internationally, player cards are a well-established industry. In China, the market is poised for growth, driven by post-1990s and post-2000s collectors, who are turning their passion for soccer into collectible pursuits.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Official Soccer Trading Cards, available in standard and premium versions, feature advanced techniques such as gold stamping and metal inlays and cover all 48 participating teams.

They include cards of current stars including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as legacy cards of legends including Diego Maradona and Pele.

With strong localization capabilities, Kayou has partnered with over 300,000 outlets to introduce these licensed cards to the Chinese market, expanding channels for acquiring official player cards for Chinese fans while nurturing the local collectibles market.