Some exhibitions tell the story of football through dates and scorelines. Objects of Glory: Iconic Moments in the History of Football tells it through the objects people remember, the shirts, balls, trophies, and keepsakes tied to the moments that shaped the game. As part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, the exhibition brings together 16 iconic objects at Museo Jumex in Mexico City, where they are being shown together outside Qatar for the first time.
What this exhibition is about
Curated by Najla A. Al Thani and presented by Museo Jumex with the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, the exhibition follows football’s journey from its early beginnings to its place today as a global phenomenon. The collection is built around turning points in the sport’s evolution, from rules and competition to identity, legendary achievement, and worldwide reach. It is also part of a wider Years of Culture summer programme in Mexico City that uses art, film, football history, and photography to build cultural connection through public events.
What you will see
Visitors move through five exhibition threads: the birth of the modern game, heroes and legendary achievements, football as national identity and inclusion, the making of legends, and the global game today. Highlights include an 1888 FA Cup Final football, a Football League Rules booklet from 1893 to 1894, 1930 FIFA World Cup regulations, a replica of the Jules Rimet Trophy, the ball from Pelé’s 1,000th goal, Pelé’s shirt, Diego Maradona’s 1986 match-worn shirt, Lionel Messi’s signed napkin contract, Messi’s 2006 shirt, a Palestinian Women’s National Team shirt worn by Honey Thaljieh, a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 signed ball, and a signed tracksuit of Evaristo De Macedo. Among the centrepieces is Maradona’s 1986 World Cup jersey, a piece that carries special meaning in Mexico City and deepens the exhibition’s connection to local football memory.
Why it matters now
Opening in Mexico City this summer, the exhibition arrives at a moment when football, travel, and cultural exchange are already part of the conversation around the next World Cup. It also reflects the wider legacy of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which inspired parts of the Mexico programme and reinforced how sport can continue to bring people together through culture long after the final whistle. If you are travelling from Qatar, from the region, or simply know someone heading to Mexico City, this is the kind of exhibition worth building into the trip, one that turns football history into a memorable afternoon.
Plan your visit
Objects of Glory: Iconic Moments in the History of Football is on view at Museo Jumex in Mexico City from 10 June to 30 August 2026. For official exhibition information, visitors can use the Fundación Jumex exhibition page. Opening hours were not fully verified in the materials available here, so that line should be confirmed with Museo Jumex before publishing.
Travelling to Mexico City for the World Cup atmosphere, or know someone who will be there? Make time for the exhibition, create content while visiting, and tag @yearsofculture on Instagram for a chance to be featured in our coverage.
