United News of Bangladesh

Lionel Messi scored the first World Cup hat trick of his career and matched Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record on Tuesday night, giving Argentina fans at Arrowhead Stadium an unforgettable performance in their team's match against Algeria. Messi opened the scoring in the early minutes after receiving a well-placed pass from his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He added his second goal shortly after the start of the second half and completed his hat trick moments before being substituted, leaving the field to a standing ovation from the crowd. The achievement came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also scored. With Tuesday's goals, Messi became only the second player in history to score in five different World Cup editions. The Argentine captain now has 16 World Cup goals from six tournament appearances, equalling Klose's long-standing record. With several matches still ahead, Messi appears well positioned to break the mark in the coming weeks. It was the 61st hat trick of Messi's professional career and his 11th for Argentina. He has now scored in five consecutive World Cup matches. Messi's performance overshadowed impressive displays by two other global stars on the same day. France forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal and moved into a tie for fourth place on the World Cup scoring list with 14 goals. Norway striker Erling Haaland also netted twice in his team's 4-1 win over Iraq. The Argentine star, who turns 39 next week, had been managing a minor hamstring problem during his time with Inter Miami before the World Cup. However, he showed no signs of discomfort in a warm-up match against Iceland last week, where he scored from the penalty spot during a 20-minute appearance. Tuesday's match against Algeria marked the 200th international appearance of Messi's career, which began in 2005 when he was 18 years old. Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to earn his 229th cap on Wednesday, and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa, who finished with 202 appearances, have played more international matches. Argentina is one of four national teams using the Kansas City metropolitan area as its World Cup base camp. Since the team's arrival around two weeks ago, enthusiasm surrounding Messi has swept across the region. On match day, thousands of supporters wearing Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey filled the home stadium of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, singing songs in support of the football legend from Rosario. At a separate watch party in downtown Kansas City's Power & Light District, former NFL quarterback and current Fox broadcaster Jameis Winston appeared on stage alongside a goat dressed in an Argentina jersey, a playful reference to Messi's status as the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT). The lighthearted scene appeared to foreshadow Messi's historic night. With every World Cup goal he scores, the argument that he is football's greatest-ever player continues to gain strength.

England defender Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury, prompting coach Thomas Tuchel to make a late change to his squad ahead of the team's opening match against Croatia. The English Football Association announced on Tuesday that Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as Livramento's replacement and will join England's training camp in Kansas City. According to the FA, the Newcastle United full back sustained the injury during a training session on Sunday. A scan and medical assessment conducted on Monday confirmed that Livramento would be unable to take any further part in the tournament, the FA said in a statement. Livramento was included in the squad largely because of his ability to play on both sides of the defense. Comfortable at both right back and left back, he was expected to provide cover for Reece James, who has struggled with injuries in recent years. Chalobah, meanwhile, has mainly featured as a central defender for Chelsea but is also capable of playing at right back. England are set to travel to Dallas for their first Group-stage match against Croatia on Wednesday. Under tournament rules, teams are allowed to replace injured players up to 24 hours before the kickoff of their opening match.

The streets of Chuadanga turned into a vibrant sea of sky-blue and white as thousands of football fans brought out a  procession carrying a 2,000-foot-long Argentina flag, marking the growing excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The grand rally began Tuesday afternoon from the Town Football Field in the district town. It then paraded through major roads including Shaheed Hasan Chattar (Chourasta intersection), Court Mor and College Road before returning to the starting point. Supporters from different parts of the district joined the procession. Participants also carried Argentina jerseys, national flags of Bangladesh and Argentina, banners and festoons, while chanting slogans in support of their favourite team. The festive atmosphere was further amplified by World Cup-themed songs and rhythmic drumbeats, as fans celebrated the global football spectacle with enthusiasm and energy.  

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says football fans across the world are eager to watch Lionel Messi play as the superstar prepares to make his 200th appearance for Argentina when the defending champions open their World Cup campaign against Algeria national football team on Tuesday. Scaloni, who shares roots in Argentina’s Santa Fe province with Messi, said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains a global attraction whose influence extends far beyond Argentine supporters. “Not only Argentinians but people all over the world want to see him play,” Scaloni said. “Everyone wants to see him on the pitch because he has an impact on football fans everywhere.” Argentina will begin its title defence at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Messi expected to feature despite recently dealing with a minor hamstring problem. The 39-year-old forward appeared fully fit in Argentina’s final warm-up match against Iceland last week. Coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored from the penalty spot and completed his brief appearance without any issues. If selected as expected, Messi will reach the milestone of 200 international appearances against Algeria. “There’s nothing negative to say about him,” Scaloni said. “He’s always there for us and remains a key part of this team.” Messi's presence has generated huge excitement among fans in Kansas City ahead of the match. Tapash Chakraborty, owner of an engineering design company, was among supporters hoping to catch a glimpse of the Argentine squad before the game. “Messi is Messi,” he said. “He is the god of football.” Messi jerseys have become a common sight throughout the city, with fans wearing shirts from Argentina, his former club FC Barcelona and current club Inter Miami CF. Michelle Lemmon, who travelled from Missouri with her children to attend World Cup activities, described Messi as the world’s best player and said she was thrilled to have Argentina based in Kansas City during the tournament. She added that a dream final would see the United States face Argentina.   Many football fans believe the debate over the greatest player of all time often comes down to Messi and Brazilian legend Pelé. A successful World Cup title defence would add another remarkable achievement to Messi’s career. Only two countries have previously won consecutive World Cups: Italy in the 1930s and Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Argentina came close to repeating the feat four years ago after defeating France in a dramatic final in Qatar. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi said memories of Argentina’s triumph in Qatar continue to inspire the squad. “The whole country came together during that tournament,” Otamendi said. “Those memories stay with us and motivate us to keep pushing forward. We cannot relax. We have to keep working with humility.” Otamendi also praised Messi’s attitude, describing him as a humble person who remains fiercely competitive despite his achievements. “He focuses on training and always wants to win,” Otamendi said. “We want to support him and enjoy playing alongside him. When the match starts, the team must stay united and work together on the field.”

Call it Cabo Verde or Cape Verde, the island nation carries a fitting nickname in football circles—Tubarões Azuis, the Blue Sharks. On Monday night, however, it was not their bite in attack but their resilience in defence that left a mark, as they stunned powerhouse Spain with a memorable goalless draw. Spain, ranked second in the FIFA rankings, dominated possession with 74 percent of the ball and launched 27 attacks throughout the match. Yet they could not find the back of the net they desperately sought. As a result, La Roja, kicked off their World Cup campaign with the heavy tag of ‘title contenders’, were forced to leave the pitch with an unexpected goalless draw. Making their maiden appearance on the world stage, this result against a powerhouse like Spain is nothing short of a victory for Cape Verde. At the heart of this historic achievement stood one man—their 40-year-old goalkeeper, Josimar Dias Vozinha. The architect behind Cape Verde’s remarkable rise is Pedro Leitao Brito, better known as Bubista. The 70-year-old coach guided the team to the World Cup for the first time in history. On the grandest stage of all, the tactician proved precisely why he was crowned the CAF Coach of the Year in 2025. By orchestrating such a disciplined defensive blueprint against a powerhouse like Spain, he effectively checkmated Luis de la Fuente on the tactical chessboard.

Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup so far, holding tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw in the island nation's first-ever appearance at football's biggest stage. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero for Cape Verde, delivering an outstanding performance at the age of 40 to frustrate the European champions throughout the match. The underdogs even came close to securing a famous victory late on, but Diney Borges' header was brilliantly saved by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. Spain, packed with world-class talent, dominated much of the game but struggled to break down Cape Verde's disciplined defence. Vozinha made a series of crucial saves, particularly in the first half, to keep the score level. Spain's best chance before the break fell to Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, whose powerful effort struck the crossbar. Torres later tested Vozinha again, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task. Vozinha also denied midfielder Pedri and made another important save late in the first half as Spain continued to push for an opener. Cape Verde, an Atlantic island nation with a population of around 500,000, is making its World Cup debut and showed little sign of being overwhelmed by the occasion. Spain, the 2010 World Cup champions, are seeking a second world title. However, coach Luis de la Fuente had warned before the match that Cape Verde could emerge as one of the surprise teams of the tournament. The African side continued to defend resolutely after the break, and even the introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal failed to help Spain find a breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed a memorable result for Cape Verde and a disappointing start for one of the tournament's favourites.

Yasin Ayari scored twice and Sweden showed it belonged at the 2026 World Cup, pounding Tunisia 5-1 on Sunday night to move atop Group F. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres each had a goal and an assist, and Mattias Svanberg also scored for Sweden, which entered ranked 39th in the world and missed the 2022 World Cup after reaching the quarterfinals eight years ago in Russia. Omar Rekik scored for 45th-ranked Tunisia, which is playing in its seventh World Cup but has never advanced beyond the group stage.

Ivory Coast did not make the knockout round in three previous World Cups. Les Éléphant came to the United States set on changing that — and they are off to a great start. Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to lift Ivory Coast to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in its first World Cup appearance in a dozen years. “We came here with ambitions and high hopes,” coach Emerse Faé said through an interpreter. “Everything is going well.” The teams combined to hit the crossbar three times before Diallo — the Manchester United winger who entered as a substitute in the 56th minute — broke through with a left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area that beat diving goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. Wilfried Singo set up the goal with a strong run down the right side. “This was a fantastic goal,” Faé said. “(Singo) delivered a wonderful assist to Diallo, and he finished well. Very happy to see just what we worked on.” Ecuador saw its 19-game unbeaten streak end with its first loss since a 1-0 decision against Brazil on Sept. 6, 2024. “It hurts,” Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece said through an interpreter. “This is a very painful situation. It needs to make you stronger for the future.” Elye Wahi hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute for Ivory Coast after Ecuador’s John Yeboah and Nilson Angulo did the same in the opening half. Ecuador, making its fifth World Cup appearance and looking to reach the knockout round for the second time, was playing a virtual home game at Lincoln Financial Field, with most of the capacity crowd of 68,274 wearing the yellow jerseys of La Tri. “I am very sorry we did not give our fans the joy they came to seek,” Beccacece said. Ecuador looked strong before Diallo’s goal. Its best chance after halftime came in the 68th minute on Gonzalo Plata’s hard shot from about 25 yards out that was parried away by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. “We’re leaving with a loss, but we’re keeping our heads held high knowing that this is just the beginning and there’s still a tournament ahead of us,” Ecuador captain Enner Valencia said. Ivory Coast was bolstered by the forward play of Yan Diomande. The Leipzig attacker created several scoring chances, particularly down the right side. That included Wahi’s near goal on a flick following Diomande’s hard cross. “He is very talented,” Faé said. “Incredible player.” Ivory Coast, which did not concede a goal while going 8-0-2 in 10 qualifying matches, will next face four-time World Cup champion Germany, which defeated Curacao 7-1 earlier Sunday in Group E. Ecuador will meet Curacao. Both matches will be played June 20. Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié set the tone for the physical play of Les Éléphant with a hard foul in the fourth minute. Kessié went on to pick up one of three yellow cards for his side, all for reckless challenges, in the opening 45 minutes. Jackson Porozo of Ecuador was cautioned in the 73rd minute. “We know that high-level football requires much intensity,” Faé said.

Egypt's World Cup opener against Belgium on Monday will pit former Liverpool standout Mohamed Salah in an underdog role against longtime Manchester City stalwart Kevin De Bruyne and his talented teammates. Egypt has never won a World Cup match and has led only once in seven games. Still, the Pharaohs insist they are to be taken seriously in Group G. Aside from Salah, who has yet to decide where he will play next after a nine seasons with Liverpool, Egypt’s attack features Omar Marmoush of Manchester City. The tandem of Salah and Marmoush has caught the eye of Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, who coached the former when he played for Roma. “Obviously, they’ve got other qualities, they’ve got other players,” Garcia said Sunday in French. “This is a team that is always raring to go. They’re a solid team that needs to be respected.” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was quietly confident ahead of the match. Hassan, Egypt's career scoring leader with 69 international goals, netted one against Algeria in 1990 to propel Egypt to one of its four World Cup appearances. Hassan said Egypt's goal is to advance past the group stage in the expanded field. “We have some negative perception here because we have not participated, except for four times in the World Cup,” Hassan said in Arabic. “But I think now we have a generation that deserves to be here.” Even so, the odds will be against Hassan’s squad for reasons beyond having to play at noon local time amid a heat wave in Seattle. The Belgian side features holdovers from the “Golden Generation” like De Bruyne and goalkeeper Thibault Courtois, as well as rising stars such as winger Jérémy Doku. “As I said at the outset, the Belgian squad is an amazing one, a star-studded one,” Hassan said. “I respect the Belgian national team. It goes without saying that the entire world is very well aware of what they are capable of.” Yet Egypt believes it can compete, having beaten Belgium three times in four exhibition matches. “We would like to have history repeat itself,” Hassan said. Belgium faces pressure to avoid repeating its performance in 2022 in Qatar, when it did not advance beyond the group stage. The Belgians finished third in 2018 in Russia. Belgium will need to shut down Salah, or at the very least slow down the four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner. Salah, who slumped by his standards in his final season with Liverpool, had nine goals and three assists in six World Cup qualifying matches. “It goes without saying that Mohamed Salah is important,” Hassan said. “(But), everyone is important.” Hassan believes Egypt can pull off an upset because of the players around Salah. “We have many talents besides Salah, besides Marmoush,” Hassan said. “We have very good players, and, God willing, people will watch them and they will be a contributing factor to their country.”

Against one of the tournament’s most formidable sides, Japan arrived with a clear game plan: stay disciplined, remain patient and strike when the opportunity arises. Over 90 minutes, the Samurai Blue executed that strategy to near perfection, twice coming from behind to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands and begin their World Cup campaign on a positive note. The Group F encounter at AT&T Stadium in Texas on Sunday night was a fascinating contest between Dutch attacking dominance and Japanese resilience. While the Netherlands controlled possession for long stretches and launched wave after wave of attacks, Japan absorbed the pressure with composure before delivering timely counterpunches. From the opening whistle, the Dutch asserted their authority, pinning Japan back with fluid possession. They nearly found an early breakthrough as early as the third minute when Donyell Malen tested Zion Suzuki, but the Japanese goalkeeper produced a crucial save to keep his side level. Japan, however, refused to panic, building a low block with icy composure, and after absorbing heavy pressure for the first quarter of an hour, Japan gradually began to venture out of their shell. In the 15th minute, Daizen Maeda created danger with a low cross into the box, but the Dutch defence reacted quickly to snuff out the threat. Five minutes later, the Oranje intensified their pressure, only to see Malen and Cody Gakpo denied in quick succession by Japan’s organised backline.