World Cup book argues soccer lessons can help in business and life

As the FIFA World Cup begins in the United States, Ciarán McArdle’s new Forbes Books title argues that soccer’s habits, pressure and teamwork offer a blueprint for success beyond the pitch. The book uses World Cup examples, including Lionel Messi and Argentina’s 2022 title run, to show how the game’s lessons translate to business, parenting and personal growth.

Why it matters: - The World Cup puts soccer in the global spotlight at the same time McArdle is pitching a broader message: the sport can teach habits that apply to work, family and personal goals. - The book targets readers looking for a practical framework, not just soccer fans.

What happened: - Ciarán McArdle, CEO and co-founder of XL Soccer World, published “The Soccer of Success: How the Beautiful Game Can Help You Achieve Goals in Business and Life” with Forbes Books. - The book is timed to the start of the FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11 and runs through June 19, with matches scheduled in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. - McArdle says the book gives readers a step-by-step guide to building a personal playbook for success. - The author draws on World Cup moments and players to explain his points.

The details: - McArdle argues that the habits that help a soccer player excel can also help an entrepreneur reach the top or a parent raise a great kid. - The book says constant improvement can help a young player become an all-star and help a salesperson outsell an entire department. - McArdle also links those same habits to a middle-aged person getting in shape and running a marathon. - The book uses Lionel Messi and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup run as an example of the value of team support. - Messi entered the 2022 tournament with a long list of individual achievements but no national team title. - Argentina won the World Cup four years ago because Messi had skilled teammates who delivered at key moments. - McArdle writes that Messi’s greatest career achievement was only possible because the right team surrounded him. - The book says drive can matter more than raw talent in many cases. - The book says talent without effort can fall short, while modest talent paired with a strong drive to win can produce sustained success. - The book says accountability is central to performance because players do not want to let teammates down. - The book says high achievers share a growth mindset and believe hard work leads to steady improvement. - The book says setbacks are inevitable, even with good planning, and people should embrace difficult moments rather than fear them. - Brendan Moylan, co-founder of Soccer.com, calls the book “a rare opportunity to have a great leader allow you to peek into their playbook.” - Michelyne Pinard, a three-time NCAA Division III national championship coach, calls the book “a must-read for any soccer fan who is passionately pursuing excellence in all facets of their life.”

Between the lines: - McArdle is framing soccer as a business and life metaphor at a moment when millions of viewers are already thinking about the sport. - The Messi example underscores a familiar management lesson: even elite talent depends on the team around it. - The book’s core message is that performance habits, not just natural ability, drive outcomes across industries.

What’s next: - The World Cup will continue to supply the book with timely examples as the tournament unfolds. - McArdle’s company, XL Soccer World, operates 10 sports facilities in the U.S. and serves more than 3 million visitors a year. - McArdle sits on the board of Coaches Across Continents and has received Orlando Business Journal’s “40 under 40” and “CEO of the Year” awards.

The bottom line: - McArdle’s pitch is simple: soccer success and life success run on the same habits, from accountability and teamwork to resilience and growth.