In some luckier parallel universe, the Republic of Ireland were lining out in Zapopan

American flag met with chorus of boos during opening ceremony at the Azteca

Teachers’ strikes highlight the chasm between ordinary workers’ wages and the premium price of match tickets

Fifa chief addressed Iran, ticket prices and visa problems at event in Mexico City, but didn’t hit the dramatic heights of Qatar 2022

Fifa president has focused on increasing World Cup revenue to the detriment of the game’s greatest showpiece

Mikel Arteta should have focused a bit less on killing the clock and a bit more on playing the game

The Gunners are determined to see out a historic campaign with their first ever Champions League

The unusual thing about Guardiola is that he started coaching at the very top and stayed there his whole career

Newly self-assured team and coach now have the challenge of proving they can find new ways to win

Veteran manager’s title success achieved by old-school values against a data-driven opponent

The fact the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year award went to Bruno Fernandes tells us something

Kobbie Mainoo caps comeback win amid mounting pressure on Arne Slot

Never a lethal finisher like Messi, Son or Kane, but he was the best at getting chances to score

Mikel Arteta’s squad did not play terribly against Manchester City and the worst has already happened

The club seems to be saying: your job is to keep singing for us even as we lose 4-0, then shut your mouth when we charge you more