Soccernomics (2026 World Cup Edition)

By: Simon Kuper, Stefan Szymanski

Published by Bold Type Books, 2026-05-05

Written with an economist's brain and a soccer writer's skill, this "gripping and essential" (Slate) book applies high-powered analytical tools to everyday soccer topics Why do clubs almost always lose money--and does it mean some will disappear? Why doesn't America dominate the sport internationally? Do coaches actually even matter? These are the questions that most consume soccer fans--and Soccernomics holds the answers. Soccernomics is a revolutionary way of looking at soccer that has helped to change how some of the world's biggest clubs are run. Using insights and analogies from economics, statistics, psychology, and business to cast a new and entertaining light on how the game works, experts Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski reveal the often surprisingly counterintuitive truths about soccer. This 2026 World Cup edition is updated throughout, including a brand-new chapter discussing MLS, Messi joining Inter Miami, and the rise of soccer in the United States. Soccernomics remains essential reading for anyone in search of a strategic, systematic perspective on the game.