World Cup Special Edition Celebrates Football's Most Iconic Moments
A new special edition publication titled What in the World? is now available for purchase, offering a nostalgic journey through the most memorable and controversial moments from past FIFA World Cups. This edition promises to captivate football fans with its detailed look at the tournament's rich history.
Epic Football Moments That Stand the Test of Time
There is nothing quite like the World Cup to produce truly epic football moments that endure through the decades. While the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer will undoubtedly create new legends, this special edition focuses on the iconic events that have already entered football folklore.
The World Cup has always been a blend of the good, the bad, and the ugly—showcasing brilliant individual genius, surreal occurrences, and sometimes downright notorious incidents. It is not merely about who scores the winning goal in the final; the tournament offers so much more depth and drama.
Fabulous Goals and Artistic Team Moves
The publication features in-depth coverage of some of the most fabulous goals in World Cup history. Highlights include Diego Maradona's legendary dribble from halfway to beat Peter Shilton against England in 1986, though it also addresses the infamy of his Hand of God handball.
Other standout moments include Michael Owen's stunning goal against Argentina in France 1998, Gary Lineker's hat-trick against Poland in Mexico 1986, and Carlos Alberto's spectacular strike for Brazil in the 1970 final. The latter is often cited as the artistic team move that popularised the phrase The Beautiful Game.
Unforgettable Memories and Growing Legends
Just as easily recounted as the great goals are other World Cup memories that grow in legend with each passing year. The edition covers Paul Gascoigne's tears in 1990, Johan Cruyff's iconic turn, and Marco Tardelli's emotional, fist-pumping celebration for Italy in the 1982 final against West Germany.
It also revisits surreal incidents like the Prince of Kuwait rushing onto the pitch to protest a referee's decision in 1982, South Korea's shock victory over Italy in 2002, and Algeria's upset of West Germany in 1982. The historic 1974 match where East Germany defeated West Germany in Hamburg is highlighted as one of the most famous upsets.
Record-Breakers and Historic Matches
The special edition pays tribute to record-breakers such as Lionel Messi, who finally won the trophy in Qatar 2022 after five attempts, securing more combined goals and assists than any other player in World Cup history. It also covers Oleg Solenko's five-goal haul for Russia against Cameroon in 1994 and Germany's 7-1 demolition of Brazil in Belo Horizonte in 2014.
Controversies That Shook the Tournament
Controversial moments are given ample attention, including Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 final, David Beckham's red card in 1998, and Cristiano Ronaldo's wink as Wayne Rooney was sent off. The debate over Geoff Hurst's goal in the 1966 final and the saga surrounding Brazil's Ronaldo in the 1998 final are also explored in detail.
This special edition is packed with fabulous stories that football enthusiasts will love reading. Copies are available for purchase online or in participating supermarkets, high street retailers, and independent newsagents from Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Online orders will be dispatched from the same date, with postage and packaging fees applicable.
