KUALA LUMPUR (June 7): With geopolitics, epidemics and many other crises plaguing the planet, can the love of football really save the World Cup? The upcoming 39-day extravaganza could either create a magical time for fans or engender an overblown and expensive fiasco. In our cover story this week, issues ranging from boycotts due to exorbitant ticket prices to diluted group stages are explored. Despite such conditions, however, the 2026 Fifa World Cup will begin nonetheless and kick off on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium.

Italian football enthusiasts may bemoan their fates as the nation is not on this year’s World Cup roster, but they can still take pride in their country’s craftsmanship, which is playing an integral part in the event — in the form of the trophy. Established as a small artisanal workshop in the early 1900s, Milanese company GDE Bertoni is the creator of the iconic award, which sees two athletes holding up the world. Having designed other prestigious prizes, the manufacturer has become renowned for its finesse and passion.

To further enjoy the season, we have rounded up eight titles that rejoice in the love of the sport that has resonated through countries and generations. These books, which include insightful histories and rousing fictions, commemorate the beautiful game and are sure to inspire any aficionado.

Read more in the Options pull-out of The Edge Malaysia this week.