How to Win the World Cup - by Chris Evans (Paperback)

About the Book

THIS INSIGHTFUL INVESTIGATION REVEALS THE MINDSETS AND UNBELIEVABLE APPROACHES OF THE COACHES SEEKING FOOTBALL'S ULTIMATE PRIZE. WITH NEW AND UPDATED CONTENT FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP.

Book Synopsis

'A brilliant new perspective' - Jamie Carragher

'Superb' - Daniel Taylor

With new and updated content for the 2026 World Cup, this insightful investigation reveals the mindsets and unbelievable approaches of the coaches seeking football's ultimate prize.

Godlike geniuses or the focus of a disappointed nation's fury - the world's most prestigious tournament makes or breaks national coaches. Only 20 managers have guided their team to World Cup glory, so what are their secrets? From revolutionary tactics to hare-brained schemes, this book searches for the keys to the most exclusive club in international football.

They may silently plot on the bench or manically gesticulate from the sidelines, but what can coaches really do to influence their team's performance? Discover the tactical innovations and brilliant strategies as well as the bizarre superstitions, psychological masterclasses and bonkers team-building regimes that managers have employed in the quest for that iconic trophy.

Charting the successes, failures, dramas and controversies of over 90 years of World Cup action through the insights of World Cup stars including Alexi Lalas, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Pierre Littbarski, Roberto Martinez and Mick McCarthy, this book reveals the lengths the men in the dugouts will go to in order to bring home the greatest prize.

Review Quotes

"Superbly insightful ... A brilliant new perspective on World Cup management" --Jamie Carragher

"Superb - great stories about the greatest tournament" --Daniel Taylor

"A fascinating read" --Barry Davies

"If you like a rich and rewarding football read, look no further" --Patrick Barclay

"Detailed, humorous, extensively researched and very difficult to put down" --Terry Butcher

"A wonderful look into the beautiful game and the quest to unlock the secret to winning its ultimate prize" --Alexi Lalas

"An incisive analysis of "the beautiful game" at its highest levels... a must-read for soccer fans" --Publishers Weekly

"Evans takes 19 aspects of both management and the World cup itself (penalty shoot-outs, qualifying, tactics, star players), unearths a succession of stories... and sprinkles them with interviewees." --John Aizlewood, The i

"Insight into how simply punching above one's weight in the qualifying stages is a world cup victory in itself." --When Saturday Comes

"Superbly insightful... a brilliant new perspective" --talkSport

"Evans has spoken to an impressive and eclectic cast of characters with vast experience in the international game. The quality and calibre of those who offer their perspectives in the book really make it stand out ... It serves as both a study in how to manage an international time and also a reflection on why international football is so special." --All Sport Book Reviews

"...fascinating" --BBC Radio 5 Live

About the Author