Missing Out on the World Cup? These Fun Soccer Romance Reads Will Curb Your FOMO

Stepping into an arena, hearing the crowds of screaming fans and getting to enjoy the excitement of a soccer game is the real pull of the World Cup being held so close to home. It’s been more than 30 years since the largest sporting event in the world took place in the United States and fans have been desperately trying to snag tickets. But if you weren’t able to score a seat or are finding it impossible to make it to a match, there’s one thing you can do to curb your FOMO (fear of missing out): enjoy a few fun soccer romance reads. 

Sports romances have been all the rage in recent years, with readers obsessing over the athlete-driven love stories focused on their favorite sports, from professional hockey to football quarterbacks to soccer stars. And now that the World Cup is taking center stage, fans are ready to dive into those swoon-worthy reads that will offer a blend of their favorite sport and their favorite genre. Whether you’re looking for a new read between matches or simply can’t get enough soccer this season, these romance novels are sure to score.

‘The Long Game’ by Elena Armas

This enemies-to-lovers romance follows Adalyn Reyes, a soccer executive whose career takes a sharp detour after a viral run-in with the team mascot. Sent to North Carolina to help turn around a struggling local soccer team, Adalyn quickly discovers that the one person who could make the job easier is also the last person she wants to rely on: Cameron Caldani, a talented goalkeeper who gets under her skin from the moment they meet.

What other readers are saying: “The characters she has created will make you swoon, burst into fits of laughter, hyperventilate, and send your temperature soaring! She combines my favorite trope, enemies-to-lovers, with the exhilarating world of soccer…this is, by far, my favorite book by the author.”

‘Out of Her League’ by Ava Rani

Dr. Isabelle Mercado almost has it all. She’s reached the top of her class at a competitive orthopedic surgery residency with her dream career within reach, and she’s holding a ticket to the Paris wedding of the year. The only thing standing in her way is the fact that her ex will be in attendance with his new fiancée.

Instead of showing up alone, Isabelle brings Austin Cade, a soccer legend in need of some good PR, as her fake date. Added into the mix is the fact that her ex is the #1 fan of the soccer star, so what could possibly go wrong? But when pretending starts to feel a little bit too real, Isabelle feels her goals starting to change. 

What other readers are saying: “Fake dating romances are already amazing, but adding Paris, soccer, and all the wedding drama made this even more entertaining.”

‘The Striker’ by Ana Huang

This forbidden romance follows one of the best soccer stars in the world, Asher Donovan, who is forced to bond with his new rival-turned-teammate after they lose a championship. But when he meets their new cross-trainer and his rival’s sister, Scarlett DuBois, he’s distracted from his goals.

Scarlett is a former ballerina, still haunted by the reasons her career ended. Now a teacher at a dance school, she’s found herself working with Asher, the exact kind of person she swore she’d never date. But when her brother leaves town, the two end up spending more time together and…well, you know.

What other readers are saying: “If you love tension, sports romance, and a flirty MMC [male main character], you’ll be all over this!! …The flirting, the tension, the chemistry you can see it ALL!!!”

‘Relationship Goals’ by Brittany Kelley 

When grumpy soccer star Luke Wolfe agrees to fake a high-profile relationship to improve his public image, falling in love is the last thing on his mind. But sparks fly when he meets actress Abigail Hunt, who is spending time with his team while researching a major new role. What begins as a convenient arrangement soon turns into something neither of them saw coming.

Things are going according to plan—until Abigail discovers that Luke originally viewed their relationship as nothing more than a publicity stunt. Refusing to give him the satisfaction of walking away, she decides to play along while finding ways to get under his skin. But as their battle of wills intensifies, Abigail begins to suspect that Luke’s feelings may have become very real—and that hers have, too.

What other readers are saying: “I really loved this book! The story was fast-paced. The banter and jokes – top notch! The book is very light, optimistic and very refreshing. Grumpy and sunshine is written very well in this story, I really enjoyed it.”