United News of Bangladesh

New Zealand defender Tim Payne has unexpectedly become a social media sensation after a football influencer encouraged fans to rally behind him ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Argentinian influencer Valen Scarsini, known online as “El Scarso,” pointed out Payne as one of the least recognized players in the tournament, which will be held across Canada, the United States and Mexico. He based this on Payne’s relatively small presence on social media. Earlier this week, Payne had about 4,700 followers on Instagram. But after Scarsini highlighted him, his follower count surged rapidly — growing by nearly 1,000 per minute and surpassing one million by Friday. The sudden rise means Payne now has far more followers than New Zealand’s captain and most well-known player, Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest. In a message to his followers, Scarsini said that while fans usually support their own countries, they could also come together behind one player regardless of nationality. He said he searched through all World Cup squads to find the least-known footballer and identified Payne as that player, noting that he had fewer than 5,000 followers at the time.

Argentina have announced their final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Lionel Messi set to lead the defending champions once again. The veteran forward is preparing for his sixth World Cup appearance, extending his national record.Head coach Lionel Scaloni has largely retained the squad that secured the title in Qatar in 2022, showing confidence in the experienced core that guided Argentina to glory four years ago. A total of 17 members of the World Cup-winning squad have been included in the new roster. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Nicolas Otamendi, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez all return for another World Cup campaign. However, a few familiar names are absent from the squad. Veteran winger Angel Di Maria was not considered after retiring from international football following the 2024 Copa America. Left-back Marcos Acuna also failed to make the final list because of fitness concerns. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has returned to the World Cup squad after missing the 2022 edition due to injury. He previously represented Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Scaloni has also introduced several promising young talents into the squad as part of Argentina’s next generation. Valentin Barco, Nicolas Paz and Giuliano Simeone have all earned places in the final 26-man list. Forwards Jose Manuel Lopez and Thiago Almada are also set to play in the World Cup for the first time in their careers. Argentina will begin their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Jordan and Austria in their remaining group-stage matches. Argentina's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso. Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez. Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez. #From India Today

World number one Jannik Sinner suffered a shock second-round exit at the French Open, ending his impressive winning streak. Sinner, who had not lost a match since the Qatar Open quarterfinals on February 19, came into the tournament after winning five consecutive Masters titles and dropping very few sets in recent months. The Italian star has previously struggled in hot conditions. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, he admitted he was fortunate to turn around his third-round match against Eliot Spizzirri after the stadium roof was closed. He also retired from a match in Shanghai last October because of extreme heat conditions. Last year on Court Philippe Chatrier, Sinner missed three match points against Carlos Alcaraz before losing a memorable final. Elsewhere at Roland Garros, 17-year-old French player Moise Kouame became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Rafael Nadal achieved the feat at Wimbledon in 2003. Kouame defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a five-set thriller. Meanwhile, Francisco Cerundolo advanced to the next round after beating Hugo Gaston in four sets. In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka defeated Donna Vekic 7-6 (1), 6-4 after making another stylish on-court entrance.

FIFA is facing fresh scrutiny in the United States over high World Cup ticket prices and controversial sales practices that many fans say left them paying more for less desirable seats. Authorities in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into whether FIFA’s ticketing system violated consumer protection laws. The move comes as both states prepare to host matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The attorneys general of the two states said they have issued subpoenas to FIFA, seeking details on its ticket sales methods. These include the use of “variable pricing,” which caused ticket costs to rise sharply, and changes to stadium seating plans that allegedly moved fans further away from the field than expected. The investigation, being carried out with support from New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, is mainly focused on ticket sales for matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. “Fans have waited years for the World Cup to come here and they deserve fair and affordable access to tickets,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “People should not be forced to pay extremely high prices or receive seats different from what they expected.” New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport also criticised FIFA, saying the ticket-buying process had become confusing and unfair, with artificial scarcity and extremely high prices. FIFA has not commented on the investigation. The World Cup is set to begin on June 11 with matches in Mexico, while the first game at the nearly 82,000-seat MetLife Stadium — temporarily renamed for the event — will take place on June 13 between Brazil and Morocco. Ticket prices have drawn strong reactions, with some seats for the July 19 final reportedly selling for as much as $33,000. In response to public concerns, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently announced a lottery system offering 1,000 tickets to city residents at $50 each. These tickets will be distributed across matches held at MetLife Stadium, excluding the final. Earlier, FIFA had also released a limited number of $60 tickets for each match through participating national football associations.

Football fans planning to attend World Cup matches in the United States are expressing frustration over high transportation costs, adding to already expensive tickets, flights and accommodation. In previous tournaments, host countries made travel easier and often free for fans. Germany’s 2006 World Cup, known as a “Summer Fairy Tale,” offered free public transport with match tickets. Similar arrangements were seen in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. However, fans heading to matches in some US cities are now facing steep transit fares. Train tickets to stadiums in New Jersey and Massachusetts are costing up to $98 and $80 for a round trip — far higher than the usual prices for similar routes. Officials say the higher fares are needed to cover extra security and expanded services, without putting pressure on taxpayers. But many fans believe they are being unfairly charged in a country where public transport is already limited. Some US state and local leaders have also raised concerns, arguing that FIFA, which is expected to earn billions from the tournament, should cover these costs instead. Fans seek cheaper alternatives Frustrated by the situation, some fans are finding their own solutions. A group of Scottish supporters, for example, arranged private school buses to travel to matches in Massachusetts at a much lower cost than official transport options. The group said their plan would save thousands of dollars overall, highlighting the large gap between official and alternative travel costs. Many fans say they are already spending heavily to attend the World Cup, with some expecting to take years to repay their expenses. Mixed approaches across cities Transport plans vary across host cities. Some, like Atlanta, Houston and Seattle, will charge regular fares for rail travel. Miami plans to offer free shuttle services, while Philadelphia will provide free return trips from the stadium. Kansas City is offering relatively low-cost shuttle services. Higher costs in places like New Jersey and Massachusetts are partly due to stadium locations outside city centers, where public transport is less developed. Parking will also be limited during the tournament, forcing more fans to rely on trains and buses. Experts say it is common for international sports bodies like FIFA to pass costs to host cities. However, US local authorities appear less willing to absorb these expenses compared to past host countries. Debate over who should pay Some officials have called on FIFA to cover transport costs, but the organization has pushed back, saying such expenses are usually handled by host cities. It also noted that earlier agreements were later adjusted to allow transport to be provided at cost. Experts say previous host nations treated the World Cup as an opportunity to boost their global image and were more willing to subsidize travel for fans. There are also concerns that the expected economic benefits of hosting the tournament may not fully materialize, as hotel bookings in several US cities have been lower than expected. Fans still determined to attend Despite the challenges, fans remain eager to attend matches, though many are still unsure how they will manage transportation. Some have welcomed recent efforts to lower bus fares in certain cities, but limited availability means not all fans will benefit. For many, attending the World Cup remains a dream — even if getting to the stadium proves difficult.

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka once again grabbed attention for her fashion as she appeared in a striking outfit at the French Open on Tuesday. Osaka entered Court Suzanne-Lenglen wearing a stylish black skirt and a sleeveless beaded top, which she later removed to reveal a glittering gold dress for her opening match. After the match, Osaka said the outfit was inspired by the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night. “It’s very couture. When the Eiffel Tower shines at night, it kind of looks like this. I feel like I look a bit like that,” she said. She started the match in a layered look, including a structured top designed like armor and a long pleated skirt. After taking them off, she played in the gold dress and defeated Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 (3). Osaka said the gold playing dress was designed by Nike, while the outer outfit was created by Swiss designer Kevin Germanier. The four-time Grand Slam winner has become known for her bold fashion choices. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, she wore a wide hat, a veil and carried a parasol. At last year’s US Open, she styled her look with sparkling red roses in her hair and even brought a matching accessory. She also recently made headlines with a standout appearance at the Met Gala in New York. Speaking about balancing fashion and performance, Osaka said she has grown used to making dramatic entrances before matches. She believes athletes are also entertainers, and Grand Slam events give her a chance to express that side. However, she admitted she was slightly concerned that the dress might reflect too much sunlight during the match, joking that she worried the umpire might ask her to change. She said she kept backup outfits ready just in case. Elsewhere at the tournament, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also drew attention by wearing diamond necklaces during her match. Osaka said she enjoys expressing herself through fashion, adding that since she does not speak much, her clothes help her communicate her personality.

Inter Miami confirmed Monday that Lionel Messi is dealing with an overload linked to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, creating uncertainty ahead of Argentina’s World Cup preparations. Messi underwent medical examinations, reportedly including an MRI, after being unable to finish Inter Miami’s MLS match against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday. The club said the Argentine captain was substituted because of “physical discomfort.” “The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” Inter Miami said in a statement. Messi left the field in the 73rd minute after appearing uncomfortable moments earlier and grabbing the back of his left leg. He walked off without assistance and headed straight to the locker room. Inter Miami won the match 6-4, with Messi providing two first-half assists. Heavy rain during the second half left the field slippery, though it remains unclear whether conditions contributed to the injury. Argentina are scheduled to play friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 before opening their World Cup Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16. The defending champions will also face Austria and Jordan in the group stage. Messi has played in five World Cups and won the Golden Ball twice.

Ecuadorian football fans are holding on to hope that the national team can deliver a strong World Cup run, offering a rare moment of joy as the country grapples with worsening violence and instability. Across the country, many provinces remain under a state of emergency. Security forces are deployed in large numbers to combat rising crime linked to drug trafficking. Night curfews are common, a fuel crisis has disrupted daily life, and tensions remain high along the border with Colombia. Despite the turmoil, optimism around Ecuador’s national team, La Tri, remains strong. The team qualified second in South America behind world champions Argentina, losing only twice in 18 matches, both narrow away defeats in Argentina and Brazil. Fans believe this squad has the potential to go further than ever before, possibly beyond their best performance of reaching the round of 16 in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. “I bought a giant TV on credit so I could watch Ecuador win the World Cup,” said Mario Uquillas, a 43-year-old shopkeeper in downtown Guayaquil. “At the very least, I hope they reach the quarterfinals. This team deserves it.” In markets like La Bahía in Guayaquil, merchants are cashing in on World Cup excitement, selling jerseys featuring stars such as Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié, Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo, and Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho. Hincapié recently drew attention after Arsenal won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, adding to national pride. Fans may soon see more success stories as Hincapié and Pacho prepare to meet in the Champions League final next weekend. However, the backdrop to Ecuador’s football dream is a grim one. Local football has not escaped the country’s violence. Five players were killed last year and three others died in separate attacks. One of the most shocking incidents happened last December in northern Guayaquil, when gunmen killed Mario Pineida, a former national team player and defender for Barcelona SC. He was shot while at a butcher shop with his mother and partner. His partner died and his mother was injured. The motive remains unclear. Guayaquil, located about 270 kilometers southwest of Quito, is ranked among the most violent cities in the Americas, according to Numbeo’s crime index. Ecuador recorded 9,216 violent deaths last year, with a rate of 50.1 per 100,000 people, according to the Ecuadorian Observatory of Organized Crime.   Rising insecurity has changed daily life, especially in poor neighborhoods where children once played freely in the streets but now often stay indoors after dark due to fear of shootings and robberies. Still, football continues to offer hope, particularly through clubs like Barcelona SC, the country’s most popular team. Its youth academy provides a rare safe space for children, including nearly 300 trainees. “My dream is to play for PSG or Real Madrid,” said 10-year-old Piero Ortega, who has trained at the academy for five years. “I want to become a professional footballer.” Another young player, Washington Vera, also dreams of representing Ecuador internationally. “I want to play for the national team and score goals as a right winger,” he said. Academy coordinator Enrique Benavides said insecurity has forced families to rely on such structured programs. “Fear has entered every community. Nobody feels safe anymore,” he said. “Now children can only train here, because playing in the streets is no longer possible.” For many Ecuadorians, the World Cup represents more than football. It is a brief escape from daily fear and hardship. “Earlier we only dreamed of qualifying. Now we hope for the quarterfinals or even semifinals,” said Guayaquil lawyer Daniel Sánchez. Barcelona SC sporting director Matías Oyola also believes the national team can continue its strong form. “What they did in qualifying was excellent. The World Cup could be a continuation of that,” he said.  

Lionel Messi headed into the World Cup break a bit earlier than planned, and now it'll be Argentina waiting to see if there's an injury to worry about. Messi — who almost never gets subbed out of matches — left in the 73rd minute, meaning he was long gone before Luis Suárez's third goal of the night helped lift the defending MLS champions past the last-place Philadelphia Union 6-4 on Sunday night. No preliminary diagnosis of any issue for Messi was immediately announced. Messi has dealt with hamstring issues at least two other times during his three-year stint with Inter Miami. Messi had two assists and Germán Berterame scored twice during a record-setting first half for Inter Miami. But Messi basically took himself out of play in the 71st minute and reached toward his left hamstring at least once, then didn't even venture toward the Inter Miami bench when he could be subbed out. Messi was replaced by Mateo Silvetti, then left immediately through the tunnel connecting the field with the team’s locker room. Messi was walking under his own power, albeit slowly, and without any team medical personnel with him. Suárez got the go-ahead goal in the 81st minute. Rodrigo De Paul, on his birthday, scored in stoppage time to seal the win for Inter Miami. Heavy rain began falling early in the second half, causing some players to seem to slip on the turf. It wasn't clear if Messi's departure was precautionary or not, and it didn't seem like he took any major missteps during the worst of the rain. Messi has said in the past that he would only play in the World Cup if healthy. Argentina starts group stage play on June 16. Milan Iloski had a first-half hat trick — including two penalty kicks — and Bruno Damiani also scored for Union, which was up 2-0 only 10 minutes into the match. That start set the stage for the teams to be tied at 4-4 at the half. The eight goals by halftime was an MLS record, the league said. Inter Miami (9-2-4, 31 points) enters the break second in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Nashville (10-1-3, 33 points). Inter Miami is also fourth in the Supporters’ Shield standings — a trophy that Philadelphia won last season. The Union won’t be winning that this season. Not even close. They’re at the bottom of the league, a stunning first-to-worst collapse and head into the break with seven points — at 1-10-4. "It's beautiful, it's fun to be a part of the game, it’s fun to sing a national anthem and obviously to see Messi and all these greats so close to me, it’s an honor," said Grammy-nominated and Latin Grammy-winning singer and Miami resident Luis Fonsi, who performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” pregame. "I’m a fan and I’m enjoying every bit of it.” He was asked what it's like to share the field with Messi. “He’s a lot more known than me — times a million," Fonsi said. Messi has already appeared in five World Cups, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player twice — first in 2014, then again in 2022 when he led Argentina to the title. That award has been given out only since 1982, but he is the lone player to win it twice. Argentina is in Group J for the World Cup. Its group stage matches: Algeria, at Kansas City, on June 16; Austria, at Arlington, Texas, on June 22; and Jordan, back in Arlington, on June 27. If Argentina wins that group — and the defending champions would be heavily favored to do so — then Messi would play a Round of 32 match in Miami Gardens on July 3. The only other way for Messi to play in South Florida during the tournament would be if Argentina is in the third-place match on July 18. Of course, all that is contingent on whether Messi plays. And that would now seem to be in at least some question.  

Bangladesh women’s captain Nigar Sultana Joty believes a successful campaign at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup can serve as a catalyst for local players to break into lucrative global franchise tournaments. The national team suffer from a severe lack of regular fixtures and international exposure throughout the calendar year. While women's franchise leagues are expanding rapidly worldwide, Bangladeshi cricketers are consistently overlooked. Nigar views the world stage as the definitive platform to alter that narrative. "Our team receive very little exposure," she stated during a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday. "The World Cup is a massive stage where the entire cricket community is watching. Delivering strong performances here forces people to talk about Bangladesh cricket, and that is our primary goal." The skipper emphasised that individual brilliance in the tournament will directly translate into personal career advancements for her squad. "When players excel individually on this stage, global opportunities naturally follow. The team is in a very positive frame of mind. A strong showing is vital for the collective growth of women's cricket in our country, but it will also immensely benefit the players on a personal level." The tournament is set to commence in England on June 12. In preparation, the Bangladesh squad will depart Dhaka in two separate flights tonight and tomorrow morning. They will initially land in Scotland to play a preparatory T20 triangular series involving the hosts and the Netherlands to acclimate to European conditions. "We have a great chance to win against the Netherlands and Pakistan," Nigar analysed. "We also have a lot of experience playing India, and we have beaten both India and South Africa in the past. Our strategy is to focus on one game at a time. Securing an early victory will give us the rhythm we need to carry us through the tournament." Bangladesh enter the tournament desperate to correct a poor historical record, having managed just three wins from 25 matches across previous editions. To secure a historic semi-final berth from a demanding group featuring Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, Nigar has mapped out a target of three group-stage victories.