Had qualification for the World Cup been decided by population, Spain would only just have made it for the past seven tournaments. Ranked 31st by that metric, they lag behind Myanmar, Sudan and Colomb

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT THE FUTURE'S

Africa Cup of Nations: a “ludicrous finale” to ...

Simon Kuper World Cup Fever A footballing journey in nine tournaments 352pp. Profile. £20. Jonathan Wilson The Power and the Glory A new history of the World Cup 608pp. Abacus. £25. In 1994, a column

On his first time back in Mexico since collecting the World Cup Golden Boot in 1986, the former England striker reflects on his career, the Three Lions’ hopes for 2026 and being inducted into the International Football Hall of Fame

The end. The collapse. The exhaustion of 11 Arsenal players, slumping to the turf against the glittering backdrop of a Toon foil display. Mikel Arteta’s thousand-yard stare. Granit Xhaka’s chevron bro