The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum has announced the opening of the World Cup in Stamps Exhibition as part of the Qatar National Sport Day celebrations.
The exhibition, on display until February end, was inaugurated by the museum founder HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, alongside exhibition curator Mohammed Eid Zantout, a number of guests, stamp collectors and enthusiasts in Qatar.
The unique exhibition explores the rich history of the FIFA World Cup through the world of stamps. It showcases significant moments from the tournament’s establishment in 1930 to Qatar’s historic hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Visitors will discover a remarkable collection, including the first-ever World Cup stamp and the first medal issue from the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930.
The World Cup in Stamps Exhibition offers a captivating journey through the evolution of the tournament, featuring an exclusive selection of stamps, including Qatar’s World Cup-related issues and special pieces produced for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The exhibition has also been recognised with a Special Large Silver Medal at the 2024 Sharjah Exhibition for Stamps.
HE Sheikh Faisal, said: "The stamps on display document and immortalise the memory of the great achievement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is considered one of the best World Cup tournaments in history."
He praised the exhibition's concept, which brings together important events under one roof, serving as historical documents and treasures that increase in value over time.
"This exhibition should be a traveling one, visiting many regions and countries, to enhance global knowledge of these events and the great efforts made by Qatar during that time — efforts that were extremely significant and culminated in success for the people of Qatar, its leadership, and the entire Arab nation."
Curator Zantout, said: "Hosting this exhibition at such a prestigious and culturally significant institution is a true honour.
I was especially delighted to see HE Sheikh Faisal’s enthusiasm for the collection and his passion for stamps and football in general.
"My passion for stamp collecting began in childhood, fuelled by a fascination with Qatari stamps and the joy of sending them from the Mesaieed Post Office in the 1990s. Over the years, my love for the hobby grew, and I began collecting envelopes in a unique, professional way.
In this exhibition, I’ve created an inspiring story through World Cup stamps, tracing the key milestones of the tournament’s history, all the way to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."
Exhibition highlights include: Special edition stamps and philatelic materials produced exclusively for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; a total of 40 spread sheets presenting a journey for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; showcasing 75 different stamps issued by Qatar Post for FIFA; 32 medals presenting each team, the history of eight stadiums in postcards, stamps, and envelopes; ten countries issued special stamps supporting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Bangladesh, Armenia, Cyprus, Serbia, and Morocco.
