"Grasping for Gold" is a profound non-fiction book that explores the political and social dimensions of the FIFA World Cups. The author, Carlos Gomes, analyzes the history of the World Cup from its beginnings in Uruguay in 1930 to the most recent tournaments, demonstrating how football serves as a reflection of societal changes. The dominance of the global North is addressed alongside the role of African football and the impacts of colonial history. The volume goes beyond the mere tournament outcomes and also examines the political contexts that have shaped the World Cup, such as the dictatorships in Argentina and the solidarity actions in Berlin. With a critical perspective on the commercialization of football and the geopolitical tensions of the present, the book encourages reflection on the future of football and its role in a changing world order.