11 November 2022 - 20 August 2023 | Zurich, Switzerland

211 Cultures. One Game

211 Cultures. One Game

Despite playing by a single set of rules, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations has a football culture of its own. Similar in many respects, but different in others, every culture revolves around the magic on the pitch and the shared history that binds fans together.

With every association invited to contribute to the exhibition, “211 Cultures. One Game” shares a story from all 211 nations – about the fans, players and people who make the game happen.

The exhibition shines a light on the unique football culture behind all 211 associations, highlighting how the beautiful game is experienced around the world. It explores how the magic of football brings people together, from the rituals and traditions of fans to the impact of iconic players and memorable moments that continue to resonate today.

The exhibition areas

211 Objects
From jerseys to tickets, photos and pieces of pop culture - have a look at a selection of the objects on display in the special exhibition.

To the objects

Heartbeat
Fans are the heartbeat of football. Get a sneak peek into the visual experience that immerses you right into the crowd and the emotions of a packed stadium.

Get a sneak peek

Game On!
211 member associations - 211 questions. Test your football knowledge by answering a few questions from our Global Football Challenge.

To the quiz

 

211 Objects - A Selection

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the display of 211 remarkable objects, each telling a story from one of the member associations. This is the FIFA Museum’s first collaborative exhibition, with many of the objects provided directly by the associations, while others were collected through personal exchanges with fans around the globe.

The objects relate to both the men’s and women’s games and range from jerseys to tickets, to photos and pieces of pop culture, such as the original trophies from the Marianas Cup or an Aya Huma mask, which is a colourful merging of football and Ecuadorian culture.

Guam

Marianas Cup trophy awarded to the inaugural women’s tournament winners  

The Marianas Cup is an annual competition launched in 2007 and contested by Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The trophies are crafted from the wood of the ifit (Guam’s national tree) and carved into the shape of a latte stone: pillars found across the Mariana Islands that were built by the ancient Chamorro people.  

 

South Africa

Makarapa

Bafana Bafana fans are easily spotted in a crowd thanks to their colourful makarapa hats. Meaning “scrapers”, the headwear is a reference to the South African mining helmets worn during the 1970s. Each uniquely handcrafted hat is an expression of its wearer’s creativity, pride and support for their team.

Canada

Tiara worn by Sinclair to celebrate her world record

Christine Sinclair became the all-time top scorer in international football on 29 January 2020 in an Olympic qualifier. Her 185th goal earned her the world record and her team-mates were prepared to celebrate. They gave her a cape and this golden party tiara to wear during the post-match festivities.

Ecuador

Aya Huma mask

The Aya Huma mask offers a fine representation of Ecuadorian culture, with a plethora of legends and symbolism woven into the fabric of the native costume. Traditionally reserved for celebrations of the sun god, Inti, fans have begun to don the colourful attire for La Tri’s matches, ensuring that their team and heritage stand out from the crowd.  

Tahiti

Shell hei and 2019 OFC U-20 Women’s Championship third-place medal

Before every game, the Tahitians present their opponents, as they do any visitor to the island, with a shell hei (necklace) as a sign of welcome, respect, appreciation and fair play. The nation celebrated a milestone in women’s football in 2019, when the Vahine Ura finished third in their OFC U-20 Women’s Championship debut.

Germany

MSV Duisburg fan’s Kutte

Punk rock meets German football culture! Heavily patched denim vests (Fan-Kutten) are testament to the wearer’s allegiance to their club and, more often than not, disliking for their rivals. They gained popularity in the days before replica shirts were readily available and represent a unique expression of individuality within a fan base.

 

Heartbeat

Fans are the heartbeat of football. Full of joy and despair, the atmosphere they create at and around stadiums on the day of a match is like no other. Get a sneak peek into the visual experience that immerses you right into the crowd.

Visit the "211 Cultures. One Game" special exhibition at the FIFA Museum for the full experience.

 

Game On! Global Football Challenge

Put your knowledge to the test and answer questions about a few of FIFA's 211 member associations.

Visit the exhibition to take the full quiz, compete against family, friends and other visitors and win some great prizes.

 

 

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