The History of Football: The World Cup Story

Price: £12.99
(as of Apr 24, 2026 18:11:35 UTC – Details)


This is the fifth book in the History of Football series.
The World Cup Story is not intended to be a comprehensive statistical reference of FIFA’s men’s World Cup. Countless modern resources already provide detailed line-ups, scores, match reports, and tables—many of which have informed this book.
Instead, this volume focuses on something far more compelling: the story.
As with all titles in the History of Football series, this book captures the defining moments of the World Cup—its legendary players, iconic locations, and unforgettable late dramas—woven together into a narrative that brings the tournament’s rich history to life.
Born out of the success of football at the Olympic Games of 1924 and 1928, and shaped by debates over amateurism and professionalism, the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 was a very different spectacle—both philosophically and geographically—from the global phenomenon it is today. Now, it stands as arguably the most popular sporting event in the world, surpassing even the Olympics.
From Egypt quite literally missing the boat in 1930, to the shock of the Maracanazo in 1950 and the Miracle of Bern in 1954; from North Korea’s fairy-tale run in 1966 to Germany’s triumph in South America in 2014—these stories and many more are brought vividly to life.
Relive the fierce Battle of Santiago, the dramatic Italian heroics of Paolo Rossi and ‘Totò’ Schillaci, and the brilliance of goal-scoring legends such as Just Fontaine, Gerd Müller, and Ronaldo. These are the people and moments that have shaped all 22 tournaments to date.
Beyond the matches, this book also explores the social and political backdrop of each host nation, alongside the stories of the 80 countries that have participated—culminating in the unique setting of Qatar 2022.
Blending history, storytelling, and insight, The World Cup Story offers a compelling journey through the tournament’s past—and helps explain why it is so often called the greatest show on earth.
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GVF4185V
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 29 Mar. 2026
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 426 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8254170907
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 626 g
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.97 x 2.44 x 21.59 cm
Part of series ‏ : ‎ The History of Football
Best Sellers Rank: 1,073,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) 133 in World Cup Football 162 in World Football 324 in FIFA