United News of Bangladesh

Iran's national football team left North America on Tuesday after being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup, ending a campaign marked by travel disputes with U.S. authorities, memorable performances on the pitch and the disappointment of narrowly missing a place in the knockout stage. The team is returning to a country still affected by the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States. Despite the early exit, many supporters said the players had given them hope and deserved appreciation. "Even though they didn't advance, they gave people something to believe in," said Mohammad Modarres, 38, who travelled from San Diego to see the team off. Painful end to the campaign Iran drew all three of its group-stage matches, leaving its hopes of reaching the knockout round dependent on the outcome of the Algeria-Austria match on Saturday. Players and staff watched the match together in the lobby of their hotel in Tijuana. They celebrated when Algeria scored a stoppage-time goal, believing it would send Iran through. "I've never seen a room celebrate like that," said Kimia Ranjbar, 25, a lifelong Team Melli supporter from the Los Angeles area. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as Austria scored a late equaliser, ending Iran's hopes and leaving the team in silence. It was another frustrating moment in a tournament that also saw a late goal by Shoja Khalilzadeh against Egypt ruled out for offside after initially putting Iran ahead. Off-field challenges Iran's World Cup preparations and participation were overshadowed by political tensions. Questions had emerged over whether the team would be allowed to compete because of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Iran's request to play its matches in Mexico was rejected. The team also had to relocate its base camp from Arizona, while several key staff members were denied U.S. visas. U.S. authorities also refused Iran's request to enter the country two days before its Los Angeles matches, although some travel restrictions were eased ahead of the team's final group game. During a World Cup security briefing on Monday, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the United States had made several accommodations for the Iranian team and repeated claims that many people Iran wanted to bring with the squad had links to the country's Revolutionary Guard. "I'm just glad they're done and they're not coming back," Mullin said. FIFA did not immediately comment. In a statement to The Associated Press, the Iranian team criticised Mullin's remarks, saying they reflected a lack of respect for international standards expected from a World Cup host. "The fact that he openly celebrates Iran's elimination says far more about him than it does about our team," the statement said. The team also questioned the fairness of some logistical decisions during the tournament, although it thanked Mexico and the city of Tijuana for their hospitality. Mixed reactions among supporters Members of the Iranian diaspora remained divided over supporting the national team, with some arguing that backing the squad could be viewed as support for Iran's government, while others insisted football should remain separate from politics. "You don't see someone blaming Christian Pulisic for something President Trump does," Modarres said. Although the players avoided commenting directly on the conflict, they paid tribute to victims of a deadly missile strike on an elementary school at the start of the war. When they arrived in Mexico, players wore pins bearing the number "168," referring to the reported number of people, mostly children, killed in the attack. They also left a message in the dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium calling for peace among all nations. Supporter Sherry Ghaemi described the gesture as "honourable." Strong bond with Mexico Despite the difficult circumstances, the team earned admiration from fans in Mexico. Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand's seven-save performance against Belgium and Ramin Rezaeian's equaliser against New Zealand were among the highlights of Iran's campaign. "They're going home not as losers, but as winners," Ghaemi said. Iranian-American fan Siavash Khosrowshahi, who travelled from Los Angeles to Tijuana after the team's elimination, described meeting the players as a memorable experience. He said he even surprised his mother in Tehran by putting Beiranvand on the phone during a video call. Throughout the tournament, Tijuana residents warmly welcomed the Iranian squad, often chanting in Spanish, "Iran, brother, now you are Mexican." Local resident Arely Ramírez said the city was proud to show its hospitality to the visitors. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed similar feelings before departing on Tuesday. "We're leaving Tijuana today, but our hearts stay here," he said. Although disappointment remained after the World Cup exit, many supporters were already looking ahead to the AFC Asian Cup in six months, hoping Team Melli would have another chance to shine.

Zimbabwe secured a historic victory over Bangladesh on Tuesday, winning the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club by an innings and 85 runs inside three days. It is now their largest-ever Test victory by an innings and their first innings win against Bangladesh since 2001. Resuming their second innings on Day 3 at 40 for 1 while trailing by 230 runs, Bangladesh collapsed to 185 all out in 45 overs against a disciplined Zimbabwean pace attack. Bangladesh dismissed for 140 in first innings against Zimbabwe Seamer Blessing Muzarabani led the host nation's bowling performance with figures of 4 for 65 from 17 overs. Bangladesh suffered immediate setbacks in the morning session when Muzarabani struck twice in his opening spell. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was caught by Brian Bennett for 22, and experienced Mominul Haque was dismissed for 13 following a spectacular diving catch by Brad Evans at third slip, leaving the visitors at 46 for 3. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim provided temporary resistance, building a 61-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The stand was broken when Najmul missed a low full toss from left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri and was bowled for 30. Mushfiqur was dismissed shortly before the lunch interval, caught behind by wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga off Muzarabani for 34. The lower order offered little resistance after lunch as debutant Towhid Hridoy fell to Muzarabani for 9, marking his second single-digit score of the match. Fellow debutant Amite Hasan played fluidly for his 25 before edging Richard Ngarava to Craig Ervine. Ngarava quickly followed by dismissing Khaled Ahmed for a duck, finishing with 3 for 32. Nyamhuri concluded the match by having Hasan Mahmud caught by Muzarabani for 15, ending a brief 23-run final partnership with Ebadot Hossain, who remained unbeaten on 12. The foundation for Zimbabwe's victory was laid during the first two days of play. Bangladesh was bowled out for 140 in their first innings after being inserted to bat on Day 1. Zimbabwe responded with a commanding total of 410, building a 270-run first-innings lead. Opener Innocent Kaia was named Player of the Match for his marathon innings of 140 runs from 227 balls. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam was the standout performer for Bangladesh in the field, claiming figures of 7 for 138 across 40.2 overs. The two teams will now focus on the shorter formats, beginning a three-match ODI series on July 6.

A powerful heat wave is expected to grip much of the central and eastern United States this week, bringing dangerously high temperatures to several cities hosting FIFA World Cup knockout matches and raising concerns for both players and fans. Forecasters say a strong heat dome will push temperatures and humidity to uncomfortable levels, with the heat index, or the "feels-like" temperature, expected to climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in several areas. Open-air stadiums in cities including Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City are expected to be among the hardest hit. "This week is going to be extremely hot," said Geoff Cornish, assistant chief video meteorologist at AccuWeather. He described it as a major heat wave that is not seen every year. Heat has been a growing concern throughout the tournament, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Scientists say climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is making extreme heat more frequent and intense around the world. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, extreme heat causes more deaths in the US each year than hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Philadelphia and nearby areas from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening, with "feels-like" temperatures expected to reach as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius). In response, FIFA has adjusted the operating hours of its Fan Festival in Philadelphia. Saturday's fan event will end after the conclusion of the 1 p.m. match. Kansas City is also under an extreme heat warning through Friday night, with the heat index forecast to range between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 to 43.3 degrees Celsius). The New York City area could experience near-record heat, with temperatures feeling as high as 109 degrees Fahrenheit (42.8 degrees Celsius), while Boston and much of southern New England could see heat index values of up to 111 degrees Fahrenheit (43.9 degrees Celsius). Weather officials warned that the extreme heat could be life-threatening for people without access to cooling or enough drinking water and could also put pressure on transportation, electricity and water systems. Players will have several protections during matches, including medical support and mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in each half. However, health experts warn that even elite athletes remain at risk of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include severe tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and dehydration. In more serious cases, heat stroke can develop and requires immediate medical treatment. Experts also say high temperatures can reduce the intensity of matches, as players often run less and conserve energy to cope with the heat. Fans, volunteers and stadium workers may face even greater risks, especially in outdoor fan zones, parking areas and transport hubs where they could spend long periods in direct sunlight. Health experts also caution that drinking alcohol in extreme heat increases the risk of dehydration. Several host cities and stadiums have expanded access to shaded areas, cooling stations and free drinking water. Medical teams will also be available at FIFA Fan Festivals and around stadiums to treat heat-related illnesses if needed. Health experts advise people attending matches or outdoor events to drink plenty of water, stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas whenever possible, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Maggie Aldousany, an associate clinical professor at the University of Miami, said people should begin drinking enough fluids well before attending matches or celebrations rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. Experts also recommend limiting alcohol consumption and checking for signs of dehydration. Light yellow urine is generally considered a sign of good hydration. Older adults, people taking certain medications and those not accustomed to hot weather are among those most at risk. Cornish advised anyone who feels dizzy, overheated or notices they have stopped sweating to move to a cooler place, drink water and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms become severe.

Morocco booked their place in the World Cup Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Monday, handing the Dutch their earliest-ever exit from the tournament. The decisive moment came after the shootout was level at 2-2 through four rounds. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Crysencio Summerville with a crucial save before Ismael Saibari calmly converted the winning penalty, sending the ball into the bottom-left corner as Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen dived the opposite way. The Netherlands had taken the lead in the 72nd minute through Cody Gakpo, who finished from Summerville's assist. Gakpo became emotional after scoring as teammates and coaching staff rushed onto the field to embrace him following the recent loss of his unborn child. Morocco forced extra time when Issa Diop headed home a cross from Chemsdine Talbi in the first minute of stoppage time.  

The Netherlands and Morocco were locked at 1-1 after regulation time in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash on Monday, sending the match into extra time. The Dutch took the lead in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo found the net from a pass by Crysencio Summerville. Following the goal, Gakpo was embraced by his teammates and coaching staff as he became emotional on the field. The forward and his partner, Noa van der Bij, recently revealed they had lost their unborn child. Morocco equalised deep into stoppage time as Issa Diop headed home a cross from Chemsdine Talbi in the 91st minute to force extra time. The fixture featured the two highest-ranked teams in the Round of 32, with Morocco entering the tournament ranked sixth in the world and the Netherlands seventh.

Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time, securing a place in the Round of 16. The match at Foxborough, Massachusetts, remained deadlocked after 120 minutes before goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves in the shootout. José Canale then converted the decisive sudden-death penalty to seal Paraguay’s historic victory. It marked the first time Germany have lost a World Cup penalty shootout. The Germans missed three of their six spot-kicks, with Jonathan Tah blasting his sudden-death attempt over the crossbar after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had kept Germany alive by saving Fabián Balbuena’s penalty. Germany also had a potential extra-time winner ruled out. Tah headed home from a corner in the 102nd minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review found Waldemar Anton had fouled Gill before the header. Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso headed in a cross from Matías Galarza following a well-worked move initiated by Miguel Almirón. Germany equalized seven minutes into the second half through Kai Havertz, who redirected Florian Wirtz’s cross past Gill. Ranked 41st by FIFA before the tournament, Paraguay frustrated Germany with a disciplined defensive display despite conceding most of the possession. The victory sends the South American side into the last 16, where they will face the winner of Tuesday’s match between France and Sweden on Saturday in Philadelphia. For Germany, ranked 10th in the world, the defeat extended a disappointing run at the World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2014. After group-stage exits in the previous two editions, the four-time champions were eliminated in their first knockout match of the 2026 tournament. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted the result fell well short of expectations, while Paraguay goalkeeper Gill credited thorough preparation for the team's success in the shootout.

Gabriel Martinelli scored late injury time to give Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32 at the World Cup on Monday. Martinelli’s winning goal came in the sixth minute of injury time. Casemiro earlier equalized on a header in the 56th minute off an assist from Gabriel Magalhães after just missing another chance two minutes earlier. The shot sailed just out of reach of the outstretched hand of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and into the net. Kaishu Sano stole a misplaced pass at midfield and took it down the field before a right-footed shot from above the half circle to put Japan ahead in the 29th minute. Vinícius Júnior, who has scored four goals in this year’s tournament, had a chance to put Brazil on top in the 58th minute but his shot from the left box was deflected by Suzuki and went off the far post. Casemiro left in the first minute of second-half stoppage time with what appeared to be a leg injury.

Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek stepped down on Monday following the team's early exit from the World Cup. The decision was made by mutual agreement, Koubek and Czech Football Association president David Trunda said in a joint statement. "The coach offered me his resignation during a personal meeting today, and after an open and honest discussion, I decided to accept it," Trunda said. Koubek accepted responsibility for the team's poor performance at the tournament, where the Czechs lost to South Korea and Mexico before drawing with South Africa. They finished bottom of Group A with just one point. His resignation came as a surprise, however. After returning from the World Cup, Koubek had indicated he wanted to remain in charge, while Czech national teams general manager Pavel Nedvěd had publicly backed him to continue. Koubek said growing criticism also influenced his decision. "A media campaign against me based on half-truths and fabricated stories also contributed to my decision," he said. "In such an atmosphere, continuing my work with the Czech national team no longer makes sense." The Czech Football Association has not yet announced a successor. The 74-year-old coach took charge in December on a two-and-a-half-year contract and guided the Czech Republic to its first World Cup qualification in 20 years, securing playoff victories over Ireland and Denmark. His resignation came just hours after the team's leading striker, Patrik Schick, announced his retirement from international football following the World Cup elimination.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged his players to be mentally and emotionally prepared for every possible scenario when they face Japan in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Monday. Both teams progressed through the group stage unbeaten, and Ancelotti expects a closely contested knockout encounter. Neymar donates $2.5 lakh for Venezuela earthquake relief "For tomorrow's match we need many things: our minds and our hearts," Ancelotti told a news conference on Sunday. He said Brazil had prepared for every possibility, including extra time and penalty shootouts, adding that the squad was motivated, confident and ready after strong performances in its last two matches. Brazil has not been eliminated in the first knockout round of a World Cup since a 1-0 defeat to Argentina, inspired by Diego Maradona, in 1990. Since then, the Selecao have reached at least the quarterfinals in every edition of the tournament. Ancelotti reminded his players that there would be no second chances in the knockout phase. "It's just one match. There's no way back," he said, expressing confidence in his experienced squad. Raphinha was the only player absent from Sunday's training session as he continues to recover from a right hamstring injury. Ancelotti also said Neymar has made significant progress in his recovery from a calf strain after returning as a late substitute in Brazil's final group-stage victory over Scotland, his first international appearance since October 2023. "He has improved a lot over the past week and can now play more than 15 minutes," Ancelotti said, adding that the forward's playing time would depend on how the match unfolds. Brazil and Japan last met in a friendly in October, when Japan came from two goals behind to secure a 3-2 victory in Tokyo.

Brazilian football star Neymar has reportedly donated US$2.5 lakh to support emergency rescue and humanitarian relief efforts in earthquake-hit Venezuela, according to Venezuelan media. The report said the donation will help provide immediate assistance to those affected, including food, drinking water, medical supplies and temporary shelters. "My heart goes out to the people of Venezuela," Neymar was quoted as saying by media, expressing hope that his contribution would bring strength and relief to affected families. Rescue operations are continuing as teams race against time to locate survivors, although efforts have been hampered by persistent aftershocks and a shortage of heavy equipment. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have been followed by several aftershocks and smaller tremors, complicating relief work. On the football front, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar has made significant progress in his recovery and is now fit to play for longer periods ahead of Brazil's FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Japan. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ancelotti said the 34-year-old forward, who missed Brazil's opening two World Cup matches before making a late substitute appearance in the 3-0 win over Scotland, has shown marked improvement over the past week. "He could not play more than 15 minutes before, but now he is doing well enough to play longer," Ancelotti said. Brazil secured top spot in Group C, extending its record of finishing first in its World Cup group for a 12th consecutive tournament. The five-time world champions have topped their group in every World Cup since 1982, maintaining a remarkable 44-year streak. With inputs from NDTV