Road to the Cup — Fútbol 2026 Connect Series
As excitement builds toward the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, The Dock Bookshop and Pitch Publishing (UK) proudly present the World Cup Book Showcase, featuring acclaimed fútbol (soccer) author and superfan Andy Milne, author of That World Cup Guy: Forty Years, Nine World Cups and One Fan’s Incredible Journey. We are proud to announce that Newy Scruggs will be in conversation with Andy Milne. NBC 5 Sports Director Newy Scruggs has been in broadcasting since 1992 and is a multiple Emmy Award-winning sportscaster.
The Dock Bookshop is just minutes from the epicenter in Arlington, Texas — home to Dallas (AT&T) Stadium, a host venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026™! Through the World Cup Book Showcase, The Dock celebrates the power of fútbol by highlighting books that capture the sport’s competitive spirit, cultural significance, unforgettable personalities, and enduring legacy. As North Texas prepares to welcome fans from around the globe, the showcase invites readers to explore the stories that have made soccer the world’s most beloved sport, featuring a curated collection with many titles published by Pitch Publishing (UK).
Ahead of the highly anticipated England vs. Croatia match, the World Cup Book Showcase will take place on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at The Dock Bookshop in Fort Worth, Texas. The showcase serves as the signature finale of The Dock Bookshop’s acclaimed Road to the Cup — Fútbol 2026 Connect Series.
Milne’s memoir is a heartfelt and humorous chronicle of four decades spent following football across continents, cultures, and nine FIFA World Cups. Through unforgettable matches, lifelong friendships, triumphs, heartbreaks, and remarkable travel adventures, Milne captures the passion, camaraderie, and sense of community that unite supporters around the globe.
Since launching in November 2025, the Road to the Cup — Fútbol 2026 Connect Series has brought together readers, soccer fans, historians, journalists, educators, new fans, and cultural enthusiasts through engaging conversations with some of the sport’s most compelling literary voices. Featured guests have included Nathan Nipper (Dallas ‘Til I Cry), Jean Duffy (Soccer Grannies), Jay Mwamba (Crash of the Buffalo), Brian Winters (Pelé: Why Soccer Matters), Miguel L. Pereira (Pasión), Hal Phillips (Sibling Rivalry), Clemente A. Lisi (The World Cup), Chris Barish (Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph), Mark Orton (From Moore to Messi), and Paul Tenorio (The Messi Effect).
The Road to the Cup series has created a unique literary and cultural pathway for readers and soccer enthusiasts alike. Collectively, the authors featured in the Road to the Cup — Fútbol 2026 Connect Series have explored Major League Soccer’s growth, World Cup history, international rivalries, and fútbol’s impact on culture, identity, politics, and global connections. These conversations have highlighted some of the game’s greatest players, from Pelé to Lionel Messi, while exploring legendary teams, the evolution of soccer tactics, rules, and skills, and helping audiences develop a deeper appreciation for the world’s game.
The series is nearing its conclusion, with only two virtual events remaining: the Children & Youth Soccer/Fútbol Authors Panel and a special conversation with Mark Orton, author of From Moore to Messi, before the series transitions to in-store experiences alongside FIFA activities and watch parties in Dallas/Fort Worth. Promotional support from Lone Star Literary Life, Texas Metro News, and Fort Worth Weekly has helped extend the series’ reach and impact. Special thanks to Fort Worth City Councilmember Deborah Peoples, District 5, and the City of Fort Worth under the leadership of Mattie Parker.
The Dock Bookshop will fittingly conclude the Road to the Cup — Fútbol 2026 Connect Series during our 11th Annual Africa and the African Diaspora celebration on July 18, honoring our roots, cultural pride, and national spirit while reflecting on the historic year North America hosted the FIFA World Cup 2026. Featured titles include The African Cup of Nations by Ben Jackson, published by Pitch Publishing, alongside compelling biographies and football stories that showcase Africa’s enduring influence on the beautiful game and its global legacy.
Get Involved
Opportunities to get involved include donating to the American Reading Council – Dock Community Impact Fund (501(c)(3)), purchasing featured World Cup titles and curated book bundles, attending upcoming events, media partnerships, book sponsorship for underserved youth, and subscribing to DockLive.TV for livestreams, author interviews, and event notifications. Organizations, schools, book clubs, and community groups can also arrange bulk book purchases by calling 817-457-5700 or texting 817-668-6122. Learn more and join the journey to FIFA World Cup 2026 at The Dock Bookshop’s Road to the Cup — Fútbol 2026 Connect Series.
