Museum

World Cup in Stamps Exhibition Opens at Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

The Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum proudly announces the opening of the World Cup in Stamps Exhibition, inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Founder of the museum, alongside Mohammed Zantout, Exhibition Curator, and a number of esteemed guests, stamp collectors, and enthusiasts in Qatar.

The exhibition, launched in February as part of Qatar National Sports Day celebrations, is open to the public as part of the museum visit and will remain on display until the end of February 2025.

This unique exhibition explores the rich history of the FIFA World Cup through the fascinating 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.

Over 12 years, Qatar underwent a remarkable transformation, developing its infrastructure, including stadiums, a metro system, Hamad Port, Hamad International Airport, and numerous tourism facilities. In recognition of these milestones, Qatar Post issued a series of commemorative stamps marking various achievements related to the World Cup.

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 recognized with a Special Large Silver Medal at the 2024 Sharjah Exhibition for Stamps.

Statements from Dignitaries

H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani stated:

“World Cup in Stamps Exhibition reflects a great effort by its creator. It is a comprehensive exhibition that documents the history of the FIFA World Cup tournaments through stamps, from its inception to the Qatar 2022 World Cup.”

He added:

“The stamps on display document and immortalize the memory of the great achievement of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is considered one of the best World Cup tournaments in history.”

His Excellency praised the exhibition’s concept, which brings together important events under one roof, serving as historical documents and treasures that increase in value over time. He emphasized:

“These stamps preserve those events from being forgotten, keeping them in the memory of future generations. 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 the State of 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.”

Mohammed Eid Zantout, Exhibition Curator, shared his thoughts:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani for opening the doors and providing me with this incredible opportunity to showcase my work at FBQ Museum. Hosting this exhibition at such a prestigious and culturally significant institution is a true honor.”

He continued:

“I was especially delighted to see H.E. Sheikh Faisal’s enthusiasm for the collection and his passion for stamps and football in general. His appreciation for this exhibition makes this moment even more meaningful for me.”

Reflecting on his journey, he shared:

“My passion for stamp collecting began in childhood, fueled by a fascination with Qatari stamps and the joy of sending them from the Messaid 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. I hope this collection inspires you as much as it has inspired me.”

Exhibition Highlights

The first-ever World Cup stamp and the first medal issue from Uruguay 1930.
A collection of Qatar Post stamps documenting the nation’s journey to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Special edition stamps and philatelic materials produced exclusively for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
40 spread sheets presenting a journey through FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Showcasing 75 different stamps issued by Qatar Post for FIFA.
32 medals representing each team.
Presenting the history of 8 stadiums in postcards, stamps, and envelopes.
10 countries issued special stamps supporting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Bangladesh, Armenia, Cyprus, Serbia, and Morocco.

The World Cup in Stamps Exhibition is a must-visit for football and philately enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the history and legacy of the world’s most celebrated football tournament through the art of stamps.