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How to win the World Cup – video explainer

The Guardian UK Monday 08 June 2026, 10:41 UTC By Jonathan Wilson, Jem Talbot, Steve Glew, Nikhita Chulani and Temujin Doran 1 min read
Key Points

What does it actually take to win a World Cup? A functioning democracy? 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.

What does it actually take to win a World Cup? Talent? Tactics? A functioning democracy? Not necessarily.

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.

Continue reading...
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Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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