How to win the World Cup

What does it actually take to win a World Cup? Talent? Tactics? A functioning democracy? Not necessarily. Subscribe to Guardian Football ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardianfootball?sub_confirmation=1 As the 2026 World Cup begins, the largest ever, we analysed all 22 past tournaments to find the common threads that link every single champion. From the tactical innovations that shocked the world to the political forces that fuelled past victories, history shows there are eight distinct ways to lift the famous trophy. Bracketology: predict a path to World Cup victory ► https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/bracketology-predict-a-path-to-world-cup-victory World Cup 2026: guide to all 1,248 players ► https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://support.theguardian.com/ Guardian Football Weekly: https://www.tiktok.com/@guardian_footballweekly https://www.instagram.com/guardian_footballweekly/ Website ► https://www.theguardian.com Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/theguardian Bluesky ► https://bsky.app/profile/sport.theguardian.com Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/guardian_sport/ The Guardian on YouTube: The Guardian ► https://www.youtube.com/@theGuardian Football Weekly podcast ► https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast Guardian News ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardiannews Guardian Australia ► https://www.youtube.com/@GuardianAustralia Guardian Sport ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardiansport #worldcup #worldcup2026 #howtowintheworldcup #football #fifa