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For the first time since 1950, the World Cup is returning to Brazil, a country where the sport of soccer is perhaps most revered. The issue will preview the globe’s biggest tournament with features on Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, and a 10-page package on the U.S., which includes coverage on the team’s most integral players Michael Bradley, Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey. The Mag also spends time with Brazil’s most beloved footballer, Pelé, dives into the uncertain world of hooliganism, and previews all eight groups.

Content from The Mag’s World Cup issue will also be featured on ESPNFC.com along with other platforms leading up to the World Cup including stories from senior writers Wright Thompson, with several long-form enterprise pieces on some of the world’s most compelling figures and moments in the history of the World Cup featuring:  Luis Suarez (online May 27), the 1978 Argentinian national team (online June 9), and cover story Lionel Messi (online June 11); along with Wayne Drehs, with profiles on Pele (online June 1), including video integration from E:60’s World Cup special (slated to re-air Sunday, June 1 at 11am ET on ESPN2 and Thursday, June 12 at 11pm ET on ESPN2), as well as U.S. standout Michael Bradley (online June 5), and ESPN The Magazine columnist Chris Jones with additional features and breaking news. For additional information on World Cup content running on ESPNFC and ESPN.com please see: http://es.pn/1qwFuGS.

ESPN The Magazine’s “World Cup” issue will also have its own preview show Wednesday, May 28 at 8:25 p.m. ET on ESPN leading into the Mexico vs. Israel match. The show will be featured on ESPN FC with a panel of four analysts, including U.S. expert Alexi Lalas on set to discuss the various topics and content from The Mag including video and features on Michael Bradley as well as other U.S. players Tim Howard, Brad Guzan and Geoff Cameron. The World Cup issue will also feature a breakdown on all 32 teams headed to Brazil, through statistics, heat maps, graphics and analysis from World Cup veterans.

World Cup Issue Features and Profiles:

Shadowed by the hand of God

In the shadow of the World Cup, and at what most consider to be the peak of his powers, Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, but there’s one foe the Argentine still can’t beat: the myth of Maradona. By Wright Thompson

No pressure

A look at the Brazilian phenom by the numbers, including his goal-scoring talents and what makes him so great. By Paul Carr

Almost home

When Michael Bradley left a topflight team in Italy to join a moribund MLS squad in Toronto, critics crowed that he was chasing the money. But it was all part of his master plan to be America’s most important player in Brazil. An exploration of Bradley’s childhood, his relationship with his dad (former U.S. coach Bob Bradley), what it was like to deal with dad as coach on the national team, why he’s made the move to Toronto and how it stands in opposition to everything he said in the past.  By Wayne Drehs

Portrait of a serial winner

A journey in pursuit of Luis Suarez, who — when he’s not biting opponents — is the most beautiful player in the game. When people tell the violent past of Luis Suarez, they often begin with an incident when he was 15 and head-butted an official. That’s where the boilerplate narrative begins. We go looking in Uruguay for that official, with a surprising result. Along the way, a rare glimpse into the Suarez that no one knows came into focus. By Wright Thompson

Pelé and the art of being Pelé

Where lies the line between hero and savor? Underneath Pelé’s feet. Pelé, as one of the most famous athletes in the history of sports, is both beloved by fans and criticized for not doing enough for his nation. We look at this two-fold perspective on Pele and also pose to him questions from fans on the street. By Wayne Drehs

Here, there and everywhere

Everton keeper Tim Howard, Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan and Stoke City defender Geoff Cameron—all integral players on the U.S. men’s national team—meet for dinner every so often and have built a community in England. We crashed a dinner with these U.S. players in England to tell their story and the story of how the U.S. team stays when the players aren’t training and playing together. By Bill Donahue

Sidebar: A chat with Jozy Altidore about preparing for the World Cup after a stop-and-start season in the Premier League.

The many sides of Clint Dempsey

Thirty-seven games, four teams, and lots of airline miles: A graphic look through Clint Dempsey’s year leading up to Brazil 2014. By Doug McIntyre

Foreign exchange

In charticle form, we look at eight U.S. national team players—all foreign-born but one—who play in leagues other than the Premier League, and look at each player’s role and impact on the U.S. squad. By Doug McIntyre

Additional World Cup Issue Highlights:

• Horseracing:  With the Belmont Stakes just around the bend, The Mag’s Regina Nuzzo writes that California Chrome’s nasal strip has created all sorts of controversy, but does it actually work in “Straight from the horse’s nose”.
• X Games: Leading up to X Games Austin, four RallyCross contenders state their case for why their racing resumes will help lead them to Texas gold in “Variety showdown.”
• Father’s Day Gift Guide: From kayaks to tents to grills, the 2014 iteration of our annual Father’s Day Gift Guide has all the best presents for weekend warrior dads.

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 Media Contact: Carrie Kreiswirth – 860-766-6042