Calling all educators, booksellers and library staff… it’s time to register,  order your POS and order your library posters for World Book Day 2026.

Unbelievable Football: The Most Amazing World Cup Stories You Never Knew

The image features a colorful book cover titled "Unbelievable Football" by Matt Oldfield, illustrated by Ollie Mann. It showcases a trophy and three celebratory soccer players, emphasizing amazing World Cup stories. A prominent badge indicates it's a free book for World Book Day on March 5, 2026.
Home > Books > Unbelievable Football: The Most Amazing World Cup Stories You Never Knew

Think you know everything about football?

Get ready for kick-off and discover incredible stories, facts and stats about some of the most unbelievable World Cup football moments of all time.

From the incredible teams to the most amazing goalscorers, unbeatable matches, last-minute saves, penalty dramas and even the amazing animals that have been involved, too.

Packed full of true footballing stories and amazing action that will keep football-mad readers going from the first minute to the final whistle.

*This book has not been authorised, licensed or endorsed by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) or any associated company.

About the author

Matt Oldfield headshot

Matt Oldfield

Matt Oldfield is the author of the Unbelievable Football series (winner of the 2020 Children’s Sports Book of the Year) and the Johnny Ball: Football Genius series, as well as the co-author of the bestselling Ultimate Football Heroes and Football GOAT series. He has also worked with Lioness Beth Mead on her children’s book, Roar, which won the 2024 Children’s Sports Book of the Year award. To date, his books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

About the illustrator

Ollie Mann headshot

Ollie Mann

Ollie is a London-based illustrator who loves to draw playful character-led illustrations. He has worked on a variety of projects in publishing and by commission, but his favourite thing is making books for young people.

Alternative formats

The £1/€1.50 books are also available in braille, large print & audio via Guide Dogs, Vision Ireland, RNIB and Calibre Audio. If you require one of these formats, please find out about diversity and inclusion.

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