Discover the definitive history of the world's most-watched sporting event with The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup. This comprehensive volume goes beyond the matches and goals to place the World Cup tournaments within their essential socio-political framework, revealing how the story of the World Cup is intrinsically linked to the story of the world itself.

Winner of the Sports Book of the Year Award 2026, this book offers an epic scope, rich detail, and compelling narrative covering nearly a century of football history, from the initial bidding processes to the moments of genius and scandal.

• Definitive history of the FIFA World Cup, covering nearly a century of tournaments.
• Analyzes matches, players, coaches, scandals, and the political context of the event.
• Award-winning narrative praised for its detail and elegant writing style.
• Ranked #1 in Soccer Coaching and #2 in World Cup Football books.

Written by Jonathan Wilson, this book has received high praise from leading voices in sports journalism, including Elis James, Tom Holland, and Simon Kuper, for its breathtaking storytelling and comprehensive scope.

• Author: Wilson, Jonathan
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Language: English
• Print Length: 608 pages
• Publication Date: May 7, 2026
• ISBN-10: 0349145733
• ISBN-13: 978-0349145730
• Dimensions: 12.6 x 4 x 19.8 cm
• Item Weight: 490 g

For any football enthusiast seeking a deep, contextual understanding of the World Cup's global impact, this essential history provides the definitive account.