What Countries Are Featured In 'How Soccer Explains The World'?

In 'How Soccer Explains the World', the author takes us on a whirlwind tour of countries where soccer isn't just a game—it's a lens to understand culture, politics, and identity. The book dives deep into Brazil, where soccer is a religion, and the favelas produce legends like Pelé. It explores Serbia, where Red Star Belgrade's ultras reflect post-war nationalism, and Iran, where women risk arrest to attend matches. Scotland’s Rangers-Celtic rivalry mirrors sectarian divides, while Nigeria’s chaotic leagues reveal corruption and hope. Italy’s AC Milan showcases glamour and mafia ties, and Spain’s Barcelona embodies Catalan pride. Even the U.S. gets a nod, where soccer’s growth clashes with traditional sports. Each country’s story weaves soccer into its social fabric, making the sport a metaphor for larger struggles.

The book doesn’t just list nations—it uncovers how soccer shapes their narratives. Argentina’s Boca Juniors vs. River Plate rivalry is class warfare disguised as sport. England’s Premier League globalization contrasts with local fan cultures. Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb becomes a symbol of post-Yugoslav identity. The author stitches these threads into a vivid tapestry, proving soccer isn’t escapism but a reflection of the world’s complexities. From Glasgow to Tehran, the pitch becomes a stage for history, conflict, and unity.

'How Soccer Explains the World' spans continents, using the sport as a microscope to examine societies. Brazil’s flair on the field mirrors its racial and economic tensions. In Italy, Juventus’ dominance intertwines with industrial power and scandal. The book visits Turkey, where Galatasaray’s fierce fans embody Istanbul’s bridge between Europe and Asia. Russia’s oligarch-owned clubs expose post-Soviet capitalism’s excesses. Even tiny Iceland’s soccer rise parallels its economic resilience. The U.S. section dissects soccer’s struggle to compete with football and baseball. Every country’s soccer culture reveals something raw and real—whether it’s Algeria’s team healing colonial wounds or Mexico’s Liga MX as a microcosm of inequality. The book’s genius lies in showing how a simple game carries the weight of nations.

The book zigzags across the globe, picking countries where soccer pulses with meaning. Brazil’s samba style hides poverty’s grip. Argentina’s Maradona worship borders on myth. Spain’s El Clásico isn’t just Messi vs. Ronaldo—it’s Catalonia vs. Castile. France’s multicultural team sparks debates on immigration. Ghana’s youth academies funnel talent to Europe, often at a cost. The Netherlands’ Total Football philosophy reflects its societal precision. Australia’s soccer growth battles rugby’s shadow. Each place proves soccer isn’t just kicks and goals—it’s identity, pride, and sometimes pain, packaged in 90 minutes.

'How Soccer Explains the World' hops from Brazil’s beaches to Serbia’s stadiums, showing how the game mirrors society. England’s Premier League brands itself globally while local fans grapple with rising ticket prices. Iran’s ban on women in stadiums highlights gender divides. Nigeria’s oil money floods soccer but rarely reaches players. Scotland’s Old Firm derby is Protestant vs. Catholic history in cleats. The book picks countries where soccer’s more than sport—it’s a heartbeat.