Discover the tournament's brightest stars, including unstoppable scorers Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo, promising newcomers like France's Mbapp , and the world's best goalkeeper, Neuer. Get the inside scoop on the teams heading to the showdown in Moscow--and why the Americans fell short. Here are the backstories to previous tournaments--from the first small Cup in Uruguay to the shocking French loss in 1996 to Germany's recent triumph in Brazil. Filled with World Cup records, player stats, and incredible action shots of on-field wizardry.

"First published in the United States of America in 2017 by Abbeville Press"--T.p. verso.

A Russian tournament -- The venues -- The Russian team -- World Cup records -- All-Star goalscorers -- The US at the World Cup -- The stars and the teams: Neymar (Brazil) -- Messi (Argentina) -- Isco (Spain) -- Pogba (France) -- Mu ller (Germany) -- Neuer (Germany) -- Hazard (Belgium) -- De Bruyne, Lukaku (Belgium) -- Kane (England) -- Ronaldo (Portugal) -- Mexico, Costa Rica -- Panama -- Sweden, Denmark -- Iceland -- South Korea, Croatia -- World Cup history.