@theipaper: “Even Fifa’s president can’t bluster his way out of empty seats,” writes chief football writer Daniel Storey. “No manner of artistic licence or that creepy smile-speak-nod move can magic a person into an empty space and then do the same trick several hundred more times.” “ After the first match of the World Cup not involving a host nation, Fifa has been embarrassed.” Subscribe to Daniel’s newsletter The Score @theipaper website for more on The World Cup.

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Tuesday 16 June 2026 10:27:13 GMT