It is difficult to remember a build-up to any previous Fifa World Cup where the beautiful game has taken a backseat and issues off the pitch have grabbed the headlines.

With a one month to go for football’s showpiece event in the US, Canada and Mexico, soaring ticket prices, political tensions in Donald Trump's America, the war in Iran and even a large chunk of fans missing out on watching the games live have hogged the limelight.

True, it is the players who are at the centre of the spectacle and despite four-time champions Italy missing out again, there will be enough stars on the pitch to shine.…