A gloriously fun, interactive pop-up journey through the FIFA World Cup—bringing to life the drama, players, and unforgettable moments of the world’s most popular sporting event.

Experience the world’s greatest sporting spectacle like never before in this extraordinary pop-up book. Bursting with energy, color, and movement, this immersive celebration of soccer’s most iconic tournament leaps off the page. Each spread transforms into a dazzling three-dimensional scene: Wembley, Mexico City, and the Maracanã stadiums in glorious detail; a life-sized World Cup trophy and winners’ medals; an interactive penalty shootout; celebratory fans raising the game; and legendary players, coaches, and teams who have made soccer history. From the first kick-off in 1930 to unforgettable finals that united billions of viewers around the globe, the story of the World Cup unfolds in spectacular pop-up form with 20 pop-ups, four volvelles, nine booklets, and a poster.

Young-at-heart readers will delight in pulling tabs, lifting flaps, and discovering surprises hidden in every corner, while devoted fans will appreciate the wealth of details—from a rarely-seen referee report to vintage tickets, matchday programs, and personal recollections from tournament winners. Replica medals, red and yellow cards, newspaper and magazine headlines, and the handwritten Laws of the Game will delight collectors and historians.  With its vivid illustrations, intricate paper engineering, and engaging text, the book captures not only the game itself but also the culture, atmosphere, and passion that make the World Cup the pinnacle of global sport. 

A perfect gift for soccer enthusiasts of all ages and collectors of unique sports memorabilia, this book is both playful and informative—a trove of unique information and objects from FIFA’s archives, the FIFA Museum, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sports Illustrated and other sources. This is an extraordinary keepsake that brings the joy of the beautiful game into your hands, ready to unfold again and again.

About The Author

Daniel Melamud is an award-winning author, editor, and book designer. His work has been featured in the New York Times, WSJ and the Guardian. He is the author of This Is Football, This Is Cricket (Wisden Book of the Year and Telegraph Sports Book Awards Illustrated Book of the Year), and Pulisic (Foreword Reviews’ Book of the Year award winner and shortlisted in the Sunday Times Sports Book Awards).  

Gianni Infantino is the President of FIFA.

Arsène Wenger is currently FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, after a long career as one of the world’s most successful managers.

Youri Djorkaeff won the World Cup as a player for France in 1998 and is Senior Football Advisor to FIFA.

Jill Ellis coached the United States Women's National Team to World Cup championships in 2015 and 2019 and is Chief Football Officer of FIFA. 

Roberto Baggio played for Italy in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups. Marco Fazzone is the Director of the FIFA Museum.

Simon Kuper writes for the Financial Times and is the award-winning author of Football Against the Enemy and co-author of Soccernomics. 

Jim Trecker was an executive at World Cup USA 1994, the United States Soccer Federation, and the World Cup Korea/Japan 2002.