Everything you never wanted to know about hosting the World Cup

Every four years, billions of football fans spend a month arguing about offside decisions, whether Ronaldo or Messi is a grass-grazing horned mammal, and whether football is finally “coming home”. For nations, however, the Fifa World Cup is far more than football. Beyond the national pride that comes with simply qualifying, the tournament offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the world’s attention. Cabo Verde’s fairy-tale run to the round of 32 transformed the little-known island nation.