In an era when football has become as much about boardroom politics as on-field prowess, Simon Kuper's "The World at My Feet" arrives as a refreshing reminder of why the World Cup remains the beautiful game's most compelling spectacle. Through nine tournaments spanning three decades, Kuper crafts an intimate portrait of football's evolution from a relatively modest international competition to the globe-spanning phenomenon we know today.
What sets this book apart is Kuper's unique position as both observer and chronicler. Since Italia '90, he's witnessed firsthand how the tournament has transformed – from matches played in half-empty stadiums to the controversial $200 billion spectacle of Qatar 2022. But rather than merely cataloguing these changes, Kuper weaves them into a larger narrative about globalisation, power, and the human spirit.
The book's strength lies in its ground-level reporting. Kuper transports us beyond the field, into the pubs, living rooms, and street celebrations that pulsate with the essence of football. His account of France's 1998 triumph feels especially poignant, capturing not just the sporting achievement but the complex social dynamics of a nation grappling with its multicultural identity through football.
Particularly fascinating is Kuper's analysis of South Africa 2010, where he masterfully balances the tournament's fairy-tale narrative with its complicated aftermath. His examination of Qatar 2022 is equally nuanced, offering perhaps the most clear-eyed assessment yet of that controversial tournament's legacy.
What could have been a mere chronological recap instead becomes a thoughtful meditation on how football mirrors our changing world. Kuper's keen eye for detail and deep understanding of both the sport's tactical evolution and its cultural significance allow him to draw connections that less experienced writers might miss.
The book's only slight weakness is its occasionally meandering structure – some anecdotes, though entertaining, feel tangential to the main narrative. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise a masterful work of sports journalism.
"The World at My Feet" is ultimately more than a football book – it's a window into how globalisation has reshaped not just sport, but culture itself. Kuper has achieved something remarkable here: a book that will satisfy both hardcore football fans and those interested in how the beautiful game intersects with politics, economics, and social change.
For anyone seeking to understand how football became the world's most powerful cultural force, this is essential reading. Kuper's journey through nine World Cups tells us as much about ourselves as it does about the sport we love.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You 2nd Week, October 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change. Publisher: Visit Profile Books
Published: October 2, 2025Price: £18.99Paperback: 256 pagesISBN-10: 1805224107ISBN-13: 978-1805224105Dimensions: 216 x 135 (mm)
