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Across 22 editions of the tournament, only eight nations have managed to lift the World Cup, and certain patterns have consistently emerged from their triumphs.

Author Chris Evans interviewed numerous managers and players from various eras for his book How to Win the World Cup: Secrets and Insights from International Top Football Managers. Updated for the 2026 edition, the book features exclusive conversations with football legends such as Sir Geoff Hurst, Pierre Littbarski, and Luiz Felipe Scolari. Together, these insights form a detailed guide to what it truly takes for a country to claim football’s most coveted prize. From his research, Evans has identified six key trends shared by past champions that outline a roadmap to World Cup glory.

Recent history indicates that international football has become a highly specialised domain, where success at the club level doesn’t always guarantee similar results on the global stage. Managers like Lionel Scaloni, Joachim Low, and Luis de la Fuente have all captured major titles despite having modest domestic records. Coaches deeply familiar with the rhythms and pressures of international tournaments—and who understand how to manage players in that context—often achieve the greatest success.

Though it may seem paradoxical, experiencing adversity as a team can be a powerful foundation for success—provided it doesn’t become a recurring problem. Many championship-winning sides have had to overcome challenges together, whether through an early defeat that sharpened their focus, such as Spain in 2010 or Argentina in 2022, or through repeated near-misses that forged resilience. After France’s 2018 triumph, coach Didier Deschamps credited their painful loss in the Euro 2016 final as a defining moment that prepared them for victory two years later.

Unlike the club game, international football demands a more pragmatic approach. Successful managers recognise the tactical constraints of a World Cup campaign. With limited time to train players, it’s nearly impossible to replicate the complex attacking patterns or pressing systems seen in club football. Instead, tactics must be adapted to suit the shorter, high-pressure environment—even if that means sacrificing flair. In knockout football, avoiding defeat is often more valuable than playing expansively. It may not always please the fans, but such an approach is usually what brings home the trophy.

National teams take far longer to build cohesion than club sides, as they spend much less time together. Therefore, maintaining a consistent group of players over a multi-year cycle is vital to creating stability and understanding within the squad. While it’s important to introduce new talent when merited, showing loyalty to core players and leaders fosters trust and unity. Constantly overhauling the team, on the other hand, can disrupt the chemistry needed for long-term success.

Although it might seem obvious to pack a World Cup squad with the nation’s top talents, having too many senior stars competing for limited spots can backfire. History has shown that internal rivalry and dissatisfaction among players can damage morale. A balanced mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters—along with players content to play supporting roles—helps maintain harmony within the squad. A united team spirit often outweighs the benefit of having a few extra stars on the bench.

Tournament football is uniquely demanding, with players often isolated in training camps for over a month. Strict regimes—like Fabio Capello’s infamous ketchup ban during the 2010 World Cup—combined with restricted family contact and limited downtime can lead to restlessness. The most successful teams are those that balance discipline with freedom and trust. Vicente del Bosque’s 2010 Spain side is a perfect example: after defeating Portugal in the round of 16, Del Bosque allowed his players a night out to relax and bond. Spain went on to lift the trophy, proving that a happy camp can often be a winning one.

The newly updated edition of How to Win the World Cup by Chris Evans is published by Bloomsbury and is now available in paperback.