As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to unfold across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, Simon Kuper’s latest book, *World Cup Fever: A Soccer Journey in Nine Tournaments*, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the tournament’s significance and its limitations. While the World Cup captivates millions, stirring deep emotions and national pride, Kuper argues that its impact on global politics and society often falls short of expectations.
The Illusion of Change
Kuper, a seasoned journalist and columnist for the *Financial Times*, presents a nuanced analysis that challenges the notion that the World Cup can serve as a catalyst for social or political change. Drawing from his extensive experiences attending nine tournaments, he concludes that while the event commands unparalleled attention, the anticipated transformations rarely materialise.
He writes, “The World Cup is almost always its own country,” highlighting how the tournament, despite its grandeur, often exists in a bubble, detached from the realities of the host nations. This observation is particularly relevant as Canada prepares to embrace the tournament amid global excitement and local apprehension, especially regarding the involvement of the United States under President Donald Trump.
Historical Context: A Mixed Legacy
The World Cup’s origins trace back to the ambitions of French soccer official Jules Rimet, who envisioned it as a “footballing equivalent of the new League of Nations.” His intent was to foster peace through sport, yet political realities quickly intervened. Notably, the inaugural tournament in 1930 excluded African and Asian nations, reflecting a limited worldview.
Kuper highlights the Miracle of Bern in 1954, a defining moment for West Germany that symbolised a nation’s resurgence from the shadows of the Nazi era. This victory was more than just a football triumph; it marked a pivotal shift in the country’s identity. Yet, such instances of profound change remain exceptions rather than the rule. The 1978 World Cup in Argentina and France’s 1998 victory, which momentarily united diverse populations, ultimately failed to address deeper societal issues, reinforcing Kuper’s assertion that “a World Cup can’t heal a country.”
The World Cup Experience: A Double-Edged Sword
Kuper intricately details how the World Cup, while an awe-inspiring spectacle, often presents a sanitised version of the host country. Even in nations like South Africa, where the 2010 tournament sparked hopes of economic revitalisation, the reality has been starkly different. Kuper notes that the legacy is one of abandoned stadiums and persistent poverty.
Similarly, the 2018 World Cup in Russia portrayed an image of national pride and unity, overshadowing underlying tensions and dissent. Kuper’s observations remind us that the tournament can mask the host nation’s struggles, presenting a “well-ordered non-place” to the world while the harsh realities remain hidden.
The Emotional Impact of the World Cup
Despite its limitations, the World Cup remains a monumental event in the global sporting calendar. For many nations, it represents the pinnacle of collective experience and national pride. Kuper recounts the heightened emotions during England’s heartbreaking loss to Argentina in 1998, which resulted in a notable increase in hospital admissions for heart attacks.
The emotional highs and lows of the tournament resonate deeply with fans, as evidenced by Kuper’s reflection on the inaugural excitement felt in South Africa when the country was awarded the 2010 World Cup. It was a moment that elicited tears from Nelson Mandela, a powerful testament to the tournament’s ability to stir profound feelings.
Why it Matters
Kuper’s *World Cup Fever* serves as a critical reminder of the tournament’s dual nature: while it can evoke intense emotional responses and provide a sense of unity, its capacity for meaningful change is often overstated. As nations prepare to host the World Cup, it is crucial to approach the event with tempered expectations, recognising that while it can bring fleeting joy, the underlying social and political challenges remain. This book not only enriches our understanding of the World Cup but also prompts us to reflect on what truly defines the spirit of the game and its role in our world.