The Power and the Glory: The Definitive Story of the World Cup

Jonathan Wilson's upcoming book, "The Power and the Glory: The Definitive Story of the World Cup", is poised to make a significant contribution to sports literature, particularly in an era where football writing often focusses on superficial aspects. Set for release on October 16, 2025, this 448-page hardback aims to deliver what no other book has attempted: a comprehensive history of the World Cup that weaves together the sporting spectacle with its profound socio-political impact.
Wilson brings formidable credentials to this ambitious project. Known for his meticulous research and contextual approach to football writing, he has established himself as one of the sport's premier historians. His previous works, including the influential "Inverting the Pyramid," have demonstrated his ability to place developments in football within their broader societal context.
What sets this book apart is its scope. While most World Cup histories focus solely on matches and memorable moments, Wilson examines how the tournament has shaped—and been shaped by—global politics, cultural movements, and national identities. From Uruguay's triumph in 1930 to Qatar's controversial hosting in 2022, the book promises to explore how the World Cup has evolved from a modest sporting competition into what the author calls "a cultural phenomenon that draws the world together like nothing else."
The narrative tackles challenging subjects head-on. Wilson's exploration of "sportswashing" through recent tournaments in Russia and Qatar, and his analysis of football's role in international conflicts (like the Soccer War of 1969), suggest a book that refuses to shy away from football's darker implications. Yet he balances this with uplifting stories of national pride and unity, such as West Germany's 1954 reintegration into global society through football success.
For football fans, this book appears poised to become an essential reference work it's already being called "an automatic must-read" by early previews. But its real achievement may be in appealing to readers beyond the sport's traditional audience. By positioning the World Cup as a lens through which to view a century of global history, Wilson has potentially created a book that speaks to anyone interested in how sport shapes our world.
The timing of this book feels particularly apt. As football continues to evolve and the World Cup expands to new horizons (with the 2026 tournament set to be hosted across North America), understanding the tournament's history and influence becomes increasingly relevant. Wilson's comprehensive examination of how the World Cup has reflected and influenced global society over nearly a century promises to provide valuable context for the tournament's future direction.
"The Power and the Glory" appears set to do what the best sports books do: transcend its subject matter to tell a larger story about who we are and how we got here. For anyone interested in football, international relations, or cultural history, this book looks to be an illuminating and essential read.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Abacus Books
Published 16th October 2025
Hardback:  £25.00, 488 pages
Paperback: £16.99, 488 pages
ISBN-10: 0349145709
ISBN-13: 978-0349145709

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