Panini album fever: Fans flock to Mexico City's Bellas Artes to trade World Cup stickers

Under the intense sun, hundreds of people converged on the esplanade of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, transforming it into a vibrant hub for football enthusiasts. The gathering was dedicated to trading stickers for the Panini album in anticipation of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, an event that will reach its peak in less than three weeks.

Embracing the age-old tradition of bartering, amplified by the World Cup fever, the planters of the historic venue became a massive football trading ground. Phrases like "Are you trading?" "Do you have any spares?" "Do you have Yamal?" and "I'll trade Cristiano for Messi" echoed through the air as collectors sought to complete their albums. Children, adults, and families formed groups to exchange, sell, or gift the coveted stickers.

Despite the availability of digital apps for tracking missing and duplicate stickers, many fans arrived with lists and open albums, ready for face-to-face exchanges. A sense of camaraderie prevailed, with strangers readily engaging in trades. The excitement of acquiring coveted "holy grail" stickers was palpable, driving some collectors to spend up to 200 pesos for the most sought-after normal sticker, Lionel Messi.

Even as the afternoon wore on and rain began to fall, the trading continued. The arched entrance of the Palacio de Bellas Artes offered a temporary refuge for the precious cards, with collectors continuing their exchanges under its shelter. As the rain subsided, the fans returned to the planters, their objective unwavering: to complete their World Cup albums.