Poland year 1966 stamps – Soccer, football England FIFA World Cup

Stamps issued by Poland in 1966 to commemorate the FIFA World Cup held in England that year. This was a significant event in football history, and it’s fascinating that Poland chose to mark it philatelically.

1. 1966 FIFA World Cup:
   • Hosted by England from 11-30 July 1966.
   • Famous for England’s only World Cup victory to date, beating West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley.
   • Memorable for Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick (the only one in a World Cup final) and the controversial “Wembley Goal.”
   • 16 teams participated, including Poland.
2. Poland’s Participation:
   • Poland was in Group 1 with England, France, and Uruguay.
   • They didn’t advance past the group stage, finishing third in the group.
   • However, their participation was significant as it marked Poland’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
3. Polish Stamps – Likely Features:
   • Players: Might depict Polish stars like striker Włodzimierz Lubański or goalkeeper Edward Szymkowiak.
   • Symbols: Probably includes the official 1966 World Cup logo (featuring the Union Jack) or the mascot “World Cup Willie,” the first-ever World Cup mascot.
   • Action Scenes: Could show football action, a stylized goal, or a stadium (maybe Wembley or a Polish venue).
   • National Elements: Likely incorporates Polish colors (white and red) or national symbols.
4. Stamp Details:
   • Denominations: In Polish Złoty (zł), the currency at the time.
   • Printing: Likely by the Polish State Printing Works (PWPW) in Warsaw.
   • Perforations and Sizes: Standard for Polish stamps of the era.
5. Historical Context:
   • In 1966, Poland was under communist rule as the Polish People’s Republic.
   • Despite political tensions with the West, sports events like the World Cup provided a platform for international engagement.
6. Philatelic Significance:
   • Part of the vast array of World Cup-themed stamps issued globally in 1966.
   • Interesting to football memorabilia collectors and those tracking Poland’s sports history.
   • Reflects the universal appeal of football, transcending political divides.
7. Legacy:
   • While Poland didn’t shine in 1966, they would go on to great success in the 1970s and 1980s, finishing third in both the 1974 and 1982 World Cups.