United News of Bangladesh

A group of 20 emerging football talents from around the world are expected to attract global attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the tournament prepares to feature an expanded format and a record number of debutants. The World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will include 48 teams for the first time, with 891 of the 1,248 selected players set to make their World Cup debut. The expanded structure, which also introduces a round of 32, is expected to give young and lesser-known players a bigger platform to showcase their talent on the global stage. Among the standout prospects is Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, who has impressed in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig through strong goal contributions and is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young attackers. Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, 17, is the youngest player on the list and already a rising star in his country. The Tijuana midfielder has made senior international appearances and featured in major youth tournaments under coach Javier Aguirre, making him one of the key home hopes. Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, 20, has also drawn attention after a strong season with Freiburg, where he impressed in both domestic and European competitions with his versatility and attacking impact. For the United States, PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi is expected to carry attacking responsibilities after a productive season in the Netherlands. Argentina’s Nico Paz, now playing for Como in Italy, is another highly rated talent following a standout Serie A campaign under former Spain international Cesc Fabregas. Morocco features strongly with Gessime Yassine and Ayyoub Bouaddi among the promising young midfield and wing options, while Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza are seen as key attacking prospects. Australia’s next generation is represented by Lucas Herrington and Alessandro Circati, both defenders already gaining senior experience at a young age. Croatia’s Luka Vušković, currently on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur, is also among the defensive prospects to watch. Other notable names include Turkey’s Can Uzun, Mexico’s Armando González and Brian Gutiérrez, Colombia’s Luis Suárez (Sporting), Iraq’s Ali Jasim, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Kerim Alajbegović, and Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Touré. Analysts say many of these players are already featuring in top European leagues or major youth competitions, while others are breaking through at international level. The expanded World Cup format is expected to accelerate their rise and provide a major stage for breakthrough performances. Source: BBC

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre is going beyond tactical training as the team prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup, using motivational and psychological strategies to inspire his squad for a strong run on home soil. As part of his preparations, Aguirre has brought in former members of Mexico’s 1986 World Cup squad as well as legendary boxer Julio César Chávez to speak with the players at the team’s training base at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento. “The idols change, the uniforms evolve, but the pride of representing Mexico remains intact,” said Mexican Football Federation commissioner Mikel Arriola. He added that while the 1986 generation created history, the upcoming tournament offers a chance to match or surpass those achievements. Mexico’s best World Cup performances came as hosts in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarterfinals. Chávez, one of the country’s most celebrated athletes and a multiple-time world boxing champion, encouraged the team to aim higher. “I hear people talking about reaching the fifth match, but I believe you are going to go much, much further,” Chávez told the players, urging them to dream big regardless of their opponents’ strength or speed. Mexico has failed to reach beyond the round of 16 in seven consecutive World Cups from 1994 to 2022, making the so-called “fifth match” — the quarterfinals — a long-standing target for fans and media. The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, will feature an expanded 48-team format. With the addition of a round of 32, reaching the quarterfinals will require teams to play a sixth match instead of the traditional fifth. Aguirre, who was part of Mexico’s 1986 squad, has also highlighted the importance of home advantage and national identity in motivating players. “We went to the anthropology museum, and it is marvelous. For the players, it was an incredible experience — they have to know where we come from,” he said, adding that the visit had a strong emotional impact on the squad. The Mexican Football Federation has also brought back Spanish mental performance coach Imanol Ibarrondo, who previously worked with the national team at the 2018 World Cup and later assisted Ecuador during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Defender Mateo Chávez said the psychological sessions had been valuable for the team’s development. “We’ve had individual and group sessions, and we’ve gotten to know each other better,” the 22-year-old said, adding that the work has helped improve team cohesion. Mexico will begin its 2026 World Cup campaign on Thursday against South Africa at the Mexico City stadium.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Bangladesh Football Federation, organised a friendly football match between members of the Diplomatic Corps in Dhaka and a team comprising officials of the two ministries and former national footballers at the Dhaka Army Stadium on Tuesday evening. The team of the diplomatic corps was represented by Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden and Vietnam. The event was organised under the auspices of the ministry’s newly established Cultural and Sports Diplomacy Wing as part of ongoing efforts to promote sports diplomacy, foster friendship, and strengthen people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and the international community. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque were present at the opening ceremony. Ambassadors, high commissioners, foreign diplomats, senior government officials, former national footballers and officers of different ministries attended the event. The friendly match was played in an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill, reflecting the shared commitment of Bangladesh and its diplomatic partners to strengthening bilateral relations through cultural and sporting exchanges, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the end of the event, the two state ministers presented mementos to the team members of the diplomatic corps.

A Somali referee who was set to become the first official from his country to work at a FIFA World Cup has been denied entry to the United States, forcing FIFA to remove him from the tournament just days before it begins. Omar Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees, had been selected for the World Cup and was expected to join fellow match officials at a training camp in Miami ahead of Thursday’s opening game. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was refused entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport on Saturday because of unspecified “vetting concerns.” The decision came despite Artan having received a valid U.S. visa last week through the Somali Embassy in Kenya. Artan, who was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. His selection had been announced by FIFA two months ago. The move has drawn attention because it is highly unusual for a FIFA-appointed match official to be denied entry to a World Cup host country. In a statement, CBP said the Somali national underwent an additional inspection, which it described as a routine procedure used to verify information and determine admissibility. “Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” the agency said. CBP added that all travelers entering the United States, including World Cup players, coaches and staff, are subject to inspection and screening. Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said it had not been informed of the specific reason behind the decision. The country’s embassy in Washington is reportedly working through diplomatic channels to resolve the issue and allow Artan to participate in the tournament. The incident comes amid broader concerns over U.S. immigration restrictions. Somalia was among several countries affected by stricter travel measures introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration, raising fears that fans, players and officials from those nations could face difficulties entering the United States despite holding valid visas. Isse Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s sports ministry and a former national team captain, suggested that Artan’s case may be linked to wider screening policies rather than any allegation against him. FIFA said it had no role in immigration decisions and had been informed by U.S. authorities that Artan’s status would not change in time for the tournament. “As a result, he will not be able to train and officiate at the World Cup,” FIFA said. The governing body noted that, as with previous tournaments, the host government has the final authority over visa approvals and entry into the country. Artan expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about his future. “Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said in a statement released by FIFA. He thanked FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for their support and wished his fellow referees success at the tournament. Artan recently officiated the second leg of the African Champions League final, one of the continent’s biggest club football matches. In a recent television interview, he spoke about the challenges of pursuing a refereeing career in conflict-affected Somalia, including navigating security risks and occasional explosions in the capital, Mogadishu. He described World Cup selection as a lifelong goal and said he was proud to represent Somalia on football’s biggest stage. That dream has now been put on hold, at least for this tournament.

A fiery spell of high-pace bowling from youngster Nahid Rana after Mosaddek Hossain’s brilliant batting performance guided Bangladesh to a comprehensive 86-run victory over Australia under the DLS method in the first ODI at Mirpur on Tuesday. It marks Bangladesh's second ODI win against Australia, and their first since the historic 2005 triumph in Cardiff. Defending 284 for 8, the hosts consistently chipped away at Australia’s batting lineup, reducing them to 191 for 9 before a thunderstorm and rain ended the match early. The afternoon belonged to Nahid Rana, whose raw pace and accuracy tore through the Australian middle order.Consistently bowling above 146 kph, the young speedster tore through a star-studded lineup to finish with match-winning figures of 4 for 41 from his 10 overs. Australia’s chase ran into trouble on the very first ball of the innings when Taskin Ahmed bowled Matthew Short for a duck. Mustafizur Rahman added to the visitors' early woes shortly after, trapping Marnus Labuschagne leg-before for 1 to leave the tourists reeling at 2 for 2. Captain Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly briefly steadied the ship, putting on a small partnership before Nahid Rana turned the match firmly in Bangladesh's favor. He broke through by extracting sharp bounce from a hard length at 147.9 kph, forcing a faint outside edge from Inglis straight to wicketkeeper Litton Das. The dismissal triggered an intense exchange of words between the batsman and bowler, forcing teammates and fielders to step in and diffuse the situation. Nahid Rana returned in his second spell to deliver a decisive double-blow that killed off the chase. He first removed a well-set Alex Carey for 47 with a 146 kph wobble-seam delivery that straightened just enough to catch the outside edge. Two overs later, he used his height to dismiss Liam Scott, extracting a sharp, rearing delivery from a back of a length that Scott could only fend to Towhid Hridoy, who took a brilliant diving catch at gully. The pacer completed his four-wicket haul by rushing Xavier Bartlett with a ferocious 148.5 kph short ball directed at the ribs. Hurried by the pace, Bartlett spooned a simple catch off the handle to Tanzid Hasan at square leg, leaving Australia stranded at 140 for 8. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh posted a competitive total on the back of an unbeaten 86 from Mosaddek Hossain and half-centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto (67) and Tanzid Hasan (54).Nathan Ellis bowled exceptionally well under pressure for Australia, taking 3 for 38, but his efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Mosaddek's late hitting and Nahid Rana’s subsequent burst. Cameron Green offered some late resistance with an unbeaten 52, but he lacked support as the rest of the lineup crumbled against a disciplined, multi-pronged home attack. With the victory, Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the upcoming FIFA World Cup at a nominal cost after securing the broadcasting rights for Tk47.25 crore, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury said on Tuesday. BTV would not have to bear the cost from its own funds as the expenditure has largely been recovered through the sale of rights and advertising opportunities to various organizations, he said while speaking at a press conference on World Cup broadcasting rights at the Secretariat. Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman were also present at the event. Yasser Khan said BTV had spent nearly Tk 100 crore to broadcast the 2022 FIFA World Cup, raising questions among the public regarding the transparency of the agreement. When the current government assumed office, a company that had acquired the rights from FIFA initially demanded nearly Tk 200 crore for the broadcasting rights in Bangladesh, he said. Calling the proposal unreasonable, the minister said the government decided not to proceed with the deal and instead initiated direct negotiations with FIFA. As part of the process, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting involved the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and its president Tabith Awal in discussions. “After a series of marathon meetings, complex negotiations and extensive bargaining, we were able to reach an agreement,” he said. The minister described the achievement as a victory for transparency and accountability, adding that millions of football fans across the country would now be able to enjoy the World Cup live on the state-owned broadcaster. The final agreement for the broadcasting rights was concluded at a cost of US$3.85 million, equivalent to approximately Tk 47.25 crore at the current exchange rate. Including VAT and income tax, the total value of the agreement stands at around Tk 63.79 crore, he said. The minister also said several organizations have already purchased World Cup broadcasting rights from BTV, including television channels T Sports and Somoy TV, telecom operators Grameenphone, Banglalink and Robi, and OTT platform iScreen.

The wait is finally over for what FIFA is calling the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations  the United States, Canada and Mexico alongside a long list of questions and controversies that have followed the tournament. The competition begins in Mexico City on Thursday, but excitement is mixed with concern over rising ticket prices, political tensions and major logistical challenges of staging a tournament spread across three countries. The action will run until the final on July 19. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described the event as the “biggest, most inclusive” World Cup in history, predicting stadiums will welcome around seven million fans and billions more will watch globally. He even called FIFA the “official happiness provider for humanity,” though the scale of that claim remains to be tested. The tournament arrives in the United States — which will host most of the matches — at a time of inflation, conflict involving Iran, and controversial immigration policies under the Trump administration, all of which have added a political backdrop to the sporting spectacle. Politics and football closely linked US President Donald Trump has been a strong supporter of the World Cup being held in the country and has repeatedly met Infantino at the White House. Their close relationship has drawn attention, including FIFA awarding Trump its inaugural Peace Prize last year after he missed out on the Nobel Prize. A gold-plated Club World Cup trophy, designed by Tiffany, was also displayed in the Oval Office after the US hosted the tournament last year. Trump has reportedly been told he can keep it permanently as FIFA prepares a new version. Political tensions have also grown internationally. Months ago, a German football official even suggested a possible boycott of the tournament due to Trump’s policies, including threats involving Greenland. Since then, military strikes involving the US and Israel against Iran have further escalated tensions in the Middle East. Iran’s participation has also come under scrutiny. The team shifted its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, citing visa difficulties shortly before the tournament. Players also arrived wearing pins honouring victims of a missile strike on an elementary school during the conflict. Ticket prices spark anger FIFA is facing strong criticism over ticket prices, which many fans say are far beyond reach. Initial prices ranged from $140 to $8,680, while some resale listings have surged dramatically — with final tickets reportedly reaching nearly $33,000. On FIFA’s own resale platform, prices have gone even higher, with some listings for final tickets reaching millions of dollars, though the organisation says it does not control resale pricing but earns commission from transactions. Additional costs such as parking fees and transport fares have also shocked fans, with some rail tickets in the US rising several times above normal rates. Despite FIFA’s claim of massive demand, public interest appears mixed. A recent survey found only about a quarter of Americans are even moderately excited about the tournament, while hotel bookings in many host cities have been lower than expected. A massive but debated format The expanded 48-team format has divided opinion, with critics arguing it dilutes quality and reduces early-stage competition, while supporters say it makes the tournament more global and inclusive. Football analyst Jonathan Wilson said the challenge is balancing inclusivity with maintaining the tournament’s competitive integrity, warning that much of the real drama may only begin from the knockout stages. Heat, travel and tough conditions Extreme heat is expected to be another major challenge. Several US host cities, including Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and Atlanta, could experience temperatures above 32°C, affecting players, fans and staff. FIFA has introduced measures such as hydration breaks and revised rules on water bottles to help manage the conditions. Stars, stories and big questions Despite the controversies, attention will ultimately turn to the pitch. Lionel Messi, now 38, may be playing his final World Cup, while 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is still chasing the only major trophy missing from his career. Brazil, a five-time champion, is hoping to end a two-decade title drought under coach Carlo Ancelotti. England has appointed Thomas Tuchel in its latest attempt to end 60 years of heartbreak, while the United States, led by Mauricio Pochettino, will aim for a historic run on home soil. US captain Tim Ream said the team’s belief is key: “If you go into a tournament thinking you have no chance, then what’s the point? Why not us?”

An impressive, unbeaten 86 from Mosaddek Hossain and half-centuries from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan propelled Bangladesh to a competitive 284 for 8 in the first ODI against Australia at Mirpur on Tuesday. With this, Mosaddek made a memorable comeback to the national side after a three-year hiatus. After Australia opted to field, the hosts weathered top-order stumbles before firing late in the innings. Australia struck in the second over when Nathan Ellis induced an edge from Saif Hassan, which was brilliantly taken by a diving Marnus Labuschagne at second slip. Tanzid Hasan repaired the early damage alongside Shanto, striking a quickfire 54 off 44 balls featuring seven boundaries and a six. The duo put on a rapid 96-run partnership for the second wicket, taking Bangladesh past the 100-run mark in the 16th over. Ellis broke the stand by deceiving Tanzid with a clever back-of-the-hand slower ball, which the opener chipped straight to mid-off. Shanto anchored the middle period, bringing up a patient half-century off 57 deliveries. However, off-spinner Matt Renshaw checked Bangladesh’s momentum with quick breakthroughs. Renshaw first caught Litton Das off his own bowling for 7, before drawing an error from Shanto. Shanto, trying to hit Renshaw over the top, picked out long-off perfectly to depart for 67 off 86 balls. At 140 for 4, Bangladesh required stability, which Mosaddek provided. He forged a crucial 75-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy (31) to rescue the innings. While wickets fell around him—including captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz falling leg-before to debutant Liam Scott for 3—Mosaddek took control. He reached his fifty off 49 balls and accelerated heavily in the final powerplay. Striking seven boundaries and three sixes in his 70-ball stay, Mosaddek's aggression ensured Bangladesh added 45 runs in the final five overs. Taskin Ahmed chipped in with a brisk 20 off 16 balls before holing out off the final delivery of the innings. Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing with 3 for 38 from his 10 overs. Renshaw and Scott supported well with two wickets apiece, though Scott and Xavier Bartlett proved expensive in the death overs against a rampant Mosaddek. Australia will require 285 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Bangladesh has only one win against Australia that came in 2005.

Japan captain Wataru Endo said Monday that the national team is aiming high at the upcoming World Cup, vowing to achieve something unprecedented in the country’s football history. “We will do our best with pride and passion to achieve something that we’ve never seen before in Japan’s soccer history,” said Endo, a Liverpool defensive midfielder. Endo and his teammates held an open training session lasting nearly an hour at GEODIS Park, home of Major League Soccer club Nashville SC, shortly after arriving in the city. Japan will begin its World Cup campaign on Sunday against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, in Group F. More than 5,000 fans attended the session, with supporters travelling from different parts of the United States as well as Japan to watch the team, popularly known as the Samurai Blue. The session ended with players interacting with fans and handing out small gifts. Takuro Kaya and his son Yuhi were among those in the crowd, having driven from North Carolina to see the team. Yuhi’s favourite player is Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion, who was ruled out of the squad due to a hamstring injury, though the family was still excited to see other stars such as Junya Ito. The father and son duo will also travel to the Dallas area to watch Japan’s matches, as they hope the team can go deep in the tournament. “We’re so excited and motivated to come here,” Kaya said. Japan are appearing at their eighth consecutive World Cup and are aiming to reach the knockout stage for the third straight time. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they produced major upsets by defeating Germany and Spain before being knocked out on penalties by Croatia in the round of 16. The team experienced hot and humid conditions in Nashville following heavy thunderstorms before training. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki said the weather would not be a major concern. “We practised in Mexico, and it was really hot,” Suzuki said. “So I think of course here in the US is also hot, but now we are getting ready for that.”

Australia have won the toss and asked Bangladesh to bat first in the opening match of the three-match ODI series in Dhaka on Tuesday. With this match, Australia is playing their first ODI in Bangladesh since 2011. Bangladesh fielded a three-bowler pace attack in that match that included Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Islam. They sidelined Rishad Hossain for this match, while Musaddek Hossain made a comeback after around four years. Bangladesh have only one win against Australia, which came in 2005 in Cardiff. In the last 15 years, Bangladesh played three ODIs against Australia in different venues and lost two of them, with the other match washed away due to rain. In the last 15 years, Bangladesh has become a strong force in ODI cricket. So the chance is high for the hosts to win matches in this series. Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam Australia XI: Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (capt/wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.