As Kansas City gears up for a historic moment on the global stage, with matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be played right around the corner, the energy around soccer is reaching new heights. From packed watch parties to the roar of fans at Arrowhead Stadium, Our Town is preparing to welcome the world. There’s no better time to dive into stories that capture the spirit of “the beautiful game.” Whether your household includes future Sporting KC or KC Current stars, teen dreamers, or lifelong fans, consider these nine books, spanning children’s to adult, to add to your reading lineup to get you in the spirit before kickoff.
Children’s Books
Goodnight Soccer by Michael Dahl
This is a cozy, rhyming bedtime story that introduces young readers to the rhythms of soccer, from stadium lights to cheering crowds. It’s a gentle, joyful way to spark an early love for the game. Young listeners will enjoy spotting familiar elements of game day while winding down for the night.
Maisy Plays Soccer by Lucy Cousins
The ever-curious Maisy Mouse laces up her cleats in this bright and simple introduction to soccer. With playful illustrations and easy-to-follow action, it’s perfect for preschoolers just discovering the sport. It also emphasizes participation and fun over competition, making it especially reassuring for first-time players.
Middle Grades
The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes
From local author, Angela Cervantes, the author behind the Raquel Reyes American Girl Doll books, this book is a fast-paced mystery that blends soccer excitement with detective work. When a World Cup trophy replica goes missing, a group of kids must solve the case which makes it an ideal read as World Cup fever builds in KC. Along the way, readers are treated to themes of teamwork, curiosity, and quick thinking under pressure.
The Academy by T.Z. Layton
This engaging story follows a young player navigating the pressures and friendships of an elite soccer academy. It captures the highs and lows of competition while emphasizing teamwork and personal growth. Readers who dream of playing at a high level will connect with its authentic look at training, rivalry, and resilience.
Young Adult
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
Set in Argentina, this award-winning novel follows Camila, a rising soccer star forced to hide her talent from her family. It’s a powerful story about ambition, gender expectations, and chasing dreams against the odds. The vivid setting and emotional depth make it as compelling off the field as it is during match play.
Losers Take All by David Klass
Set at a quirky boarding school, this novel centers on a scrappy soccer team that embraces an unconventional philosophy: playing for joy over victory. It’s a thoughtful, often funny look at competition, integrity, and what it really means to win. Its message challenges win-at-all-costs culture in a way that resonates with teens navigating their own values.
Adult Books
The World Cup: A History of the Planet’s Biggest Sporting Event by Clemente A. Lisi
This accessible history focuses specifically on soccer’s biggest tournament, chronicling iconic matches, legendary players, and defining moments. It’s a great primer for fans looking to deepen their appreciation of The World Cup as Kansas City prepares to host the event.
The Club: How The English Premier League Became The Wildest, Richest, Most Disruptive Force in Sports by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg
A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the English Premier League, this book explores how soccer became a global business powerhouse. It’s perfect for readers interested in the intersection of sports, money, and culture. The authors’ reporting reveals how clubs evolved into worldwide brands with enormous influence.
The Ball Is Round: A Global History of Soccer by David Goldblatt
For readers who want deeper World Cup context, this sweeping history traces soccer’s rise as the world’s most popular sport, connecting unforgettable matches with global politics and cultural change. It’s an immersive, richly detailed read that rewards both casual fans and serious students of the game.
Featured in the June 13, 2026 issue of The Independent.
