3 FIFA Books for Beginners That Build Your Foundation

Discover beginner-friendly FIFA books authored by leading experts offering clear insights into gameplay, history, and the World Cup's legacy.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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Starting fresh with FIFA can seem daunting, but it’s an exciting journey where anyone can pick up the basics and grow their skills at a comfortable pace. FIFA’s accessibility makes it perfect for newcomers eager to engage with soccer both virtually and through its rich history. As you learn, you’ll find each step opens up new ways to enjoy the game and deepen your appreciation for its global culture.

The books featured here provide authoritative yet approachable resources authored by experts who understand the challenges beginners face. From detailed guidance on FIFA 23’s gameplay mechanics by Nansen A. Klausen, to Mari Bolte’s clear overview of FIFA’s origins and evolution, and an in-depth historical account of the World Cup by Tom Dunmore and Andrew Donaldson, these books build a firm foundation without overwhelming detail.

While these beginner-friendly books offer excellent starting points, you might consider creating a personalized FIFA book tailored exactly to your learning pace and goals. This way, your FIFA journey is crafted to meet you where you are, making progress both effective and enjoyable.

Best for mastering FIFA 23 gameplay basics
What makes this guide stand out in the crowded FIFA landscape is its focus on easing beginners into FIFA 23’s gameplay without oversimplifying the experience. It offers a carefully structured walkthrough of the game’s features, aiming to help you grasp both fundamental mechanics and newer additions that define this edition. Designed with newcomers in mind, the book gives clear explanations and actionable tips that can quickly elevate your playing level. Whether you’re returning after a break or picking up FIFA for the first time, this guide provides a solid foundation to build your skills and enjoy competitive matches with confidence.
2022·87 pages·FIFA, Gaming, Strategy, Gameplay, Team Building

Unlike most FIFA guides that jump straight into advanced tactics, Nansen A. Klausen’s book transforms the game’s complexities into clear, approachable insights for newcomers. You’ll find detailed breakdowns of new features in FIFA 23, along with practical tips that help you progress from basic controls to mastering gameplay strategies. For example, the guide dedicates chapters to understanding player roles and optimizing team formation, which are crucial for elevating your match-day performance. This book suits anyone looking to build solid foundational skills without feeling overwhelmed by jargon or excessive detail.

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Best for understanding FIFA history and culture
Mari Bolte's book offers an accessible gateway into the world of FIFA soccer, designed especially for those new to the sport. It provides a clear, digestible overview of FIFA's origins, significant contributors, and the major competitions that define the game. The inclusion of a glossary and bibliography makes it easy for you to deepen your knowledge at your own pace. This introduction fills a niche for newcomers eager to understand FIFA without wading through complex details, making it a practical starting point to explore this influential sport.
Fifa book cover

by Mari Bolte·You?

2023·48 pages·FIFA, Soccer, Sports History, Game Rules, Competitions

After analyzing the evolution and structure of FIFA, Mari Bolte developed a concise guide tailored specifically for newcomers to the sport. This book walks you through FIFA's history, key figures behind its creation, major competitions, and emerging trends shaping its future. You'll find clearly defined terms in the glossary and helpful references to deepen your understanding. If you're just starting out or curious about FIFA's place in the soccer world, this compact introduction offers a solid foundation without overwhelming detail.

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Best for personal learning pace
This AI-created book on FIFA basics is tailored to your skill level and interests. You share what parts of FIFA gameplay you want to focus on and your current experience, allowing the book to guide you at a comfortable pace. It removes the overwhelm by focusing on essential controls and tactics designed just for your learning journey. This approach makes getting started with FIFA both approachable and engaging, matching your personal needs without extra fluff.
2025·50-300 pages·FIFA, FIFA Basics, Gameplay Controls, Player Positioning, Match Fundamentals

This tailored FIFA Starter Blueprint focuses on delivering a beginner-friendly introduction to FIFA gameplay and controls. It explores foundational concepts with a personalized pace that matches your background and comfort level, gradually building your confidence without overwhelming you. The book covers essential controls, basic tactics, and gameplay mechanics in a way that makes learning intuitive and accessible. By concentrating on your specific goals and interests, this tailored guide ensures that you absorb the core skills needed to enjoy FIFA fully and progress steadily. It reveals how to approach the game step-by-step, emphasizing familiarization and practice aligned precisely to your experience.

Tailored Guide
Beginner Skill Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for exploring World Cup history and key figures
The Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup stands out as a uniquely thorough reference that captures the tournament's global reach and cultural significance. It offers newcomers a structured path through the World Cup's history, covering everything from its inception in 1930 to detailed accounts of each finals tournament. This book meets the needs of soccer enthusiasts seeking a well-organized entry point into FIFA's most celebrated event, combining narratives, player and coach profiles, and comprehensive statistics. Its clear presentation makes it an excellent companion for anyone beginning their journey into understanding the World Cup’s enduring appeal.
Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup book cover

by Tom Dunmore, Andrew Donaldson·You?

2015·406 pages·FIFA, Soccer History, World Cup, Player Profiles, Tournament Records

What started as a detailed compilation by Tom Dunmore and Andrew Donaldson became a thorough chronicle of the FIFA World Cup's rich history and global impact. You gain access to a broad array of information—from the origins and evolution of the tournament to profiles of key players, coaches, and officials who shaped its legacy. This book also offers detailed accounts of each World Cup finals tournament and valuable statistics, making it a solid foundation for anyone wanting to understand the tournament’s significance without getting overwhelmed by technical jargon. If you're new to FIFA and curious about its past and present, this encyclopedia guides you through the event’s highlights with clarity and depth.

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Begin Your FIFA Journey Today

Build confidence with personalized FIFA insights tailored to your learning style.

Custom learning paths
Focused skill building
Accessible for beginners

Many successful players started with strong FIFA foundations

FIFA Starter Blueprint
Gameplay Essentials Code
Kickoff Mastery Formula
Confidence Builder System

Conclusion

The collection of FIFA books for beginners highlights accessible learning paths through gameplay, history, and tournament legacy. Each book offers a unique angle: FIFA 23 focuses on practical skills and strategies, 'Fifa' provides clear context on the sport’s development, and the 'Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup' immerses you in the tournament’s rich tapestry.

If you’re completely new, starting with Mari Bolte’s "Fifa" will ground you in the essentials. For hands-on gameplay learning, Nansen A. Klausen’s "FIFA 23" is an excellent next step. Dive deeper into the World Cup’s story with the "Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup" to round out your knowledge.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized FIFA book tailored to your specific interests and goals. Building your FIFA foundation early sets you up for success, whether on the virtual pitch or in understanding the sport’s global impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Starting with Mari Bolte's "Fifa" is a great way to build your foundational knowledge about FIFA's history and culture. It’s concise and tailored for newcomers, easing you into the sport before diving into gameplay or detailed tournament info.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to FIFA?

No, each book is designed with beginners in mind. For example, "FIFA 23" breaks down gameplay mechanics in simple terms, while the "Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup" offers clear historical context without heavy jargon.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with "Fifa" to understand FIFA’s background, then move to "FIFA 23" for gameplay tips, and finally explore the "Encyclopedia of the FIFA World Cup" to appreciate the tournament’s rich history.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

It depends on your goals. For gameplay skills, the newest "FIFA 23" guide reflects current game features. For foundational knowledge and history, the other books provide timeless insights that remain relevant.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

No prior experience is required. These books assume no background and start from the basics, helping you build your FIFA understanding step-by-step with clear explanations.

Can personalized FIFA books complement these expert guides?

Yes! While these expert books provide solid foundations, personalized FIFA books tailor your learning to your pace and goals, making it easier to master specific aspects. Explore more here.

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