World Cup Fever

Published to coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this book examines World Cup fever as both a sporting phenomenon and a cultural force that transcends the pitch. From the tournament's origins in 1930 through today, it traces how a modest competition among 13 nations became a global event watched by billions, capable of generating intense national pride, economic impact, and social cohesion. Memorable moments, host nation transformations, and the geopolitics of football are all examined here.

The book also addresses the contemporary pressures reshaping the tournament: corruption scandals at FIFA, debates over hosting in countries with human rights concerns, the environmental cost of mega-events, and how modern World Cups balance sporting tradition with commercial demands. For readers seeking context before the 2026 tournament arrives on North American soil, this is a substantive examination of why the World Cup generates such passionate global engagement and what it reveals about our world beyond sport.