United News of Bangladesh

Switzerland have included forward Zeki Amdouni in their World Cup squad despite his limited playing time this season following a serious knee injury. Amdouni, who suffered an ACL rupture last July, has played less than an hour of club football this season. His recent appearance for Burnley as a late substitute at Arsenal on Monday marked only his third outing off the bench since returning from injury. However, his strong international record of 11 goals in 27 matches helped secure his place in coach Murat Yakin’s 26-man squad, which is expected to be among the favourites in a group featuring co-host Canada, 2022 host Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The squad announcement was made over two days through a social media campaign, with fans tasked with identifying players hidden in photos of Swiss residents at their workplaces. Midfielder Granit Xhaka will captain the side at his fourth consecutive World Cup, extending his national record to 144 appearances. Yakin also made some surprise selections in attack, including Christian Fassnacht and Cedric Itten, both of whom have had limited minutes for Switzerland since 2023. Fassnacht, however, is the top scorer in the domestic league with 18 goals this season. Young Boys goalkeeper Marvin Keller is the only other domestic league player in the squad, while Swiss champions Thun were not represented. Defender Manuel Akanji, who recently won the Serie A title with Inter Milan, is also included. Young prospect Johan Manzambi, who will feature for Freiburg in the Europa League final against Aston Villa, has also been named after impressing at international level with goals against Mexico and the United States last year. Switzerland squad Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Yvon Mvogo, Marvin Keller Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez, Silvan Widmer, Miro Muheim, Aurèle Amenda, Eray Cömert, Luca Jaquez Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Johan Manzambi, Remo Freuler, Denis Zakaria, Ardon Jashari, Djibril Sow, Christian Fassnacht, Michel Aebischer, Fabian Rieder, Rubén VargasForwards: Breel Embolo, Noah Okafor, Dan Ndoye, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten

Brazil has included star forward Neymar in their World Cup squad, a decision that surprised many analysts who had doubted his readiness due to lingering fitness issues. The 34-year-old striker, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, is set to feature in his fourth World Cup. However, he has struggled to regain peak form since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023. This year, he has made eight appearances for Santos FC, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in Neymar’s inclusion, saying the forward has shown improvement and could play a key role in the tournament. “He has improved his fitness, he will be an important player in this World Cup,” Ancelotti told reporters, adding that experience was a key factor behind several selections. The coach also said Neymar still has time to further build his fitness ahead of Brazil’s opening match, highlighting his experience and influence within the squad. Shortly before the squad announcement, Neymar updated his social media profile to include Brazil alongside his club affiliation, signaling his readiness for international duty. Brazil’s 26-man squad also features key attacking players such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team in May 2025, recently extended his contract through the 2030 World Cup. However, he faces challenges due to injuries to several players, including forwards Rodrygo and Estevao, who were left out of the squad. Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C. Brazil Squad: Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio) Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg) Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo) Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).  

Neymar says he feels fully fit and is confident he has done enough to earn a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer said he had to deal with a lot of “nonsense” criticism while recovering from serious injuries. The Santos FC forward has not played for Brazil since 2023 after suffering injuries and undergoing knee surgery that kept him out of action for a year. Ancelotti, who is expected to announce his World Cup squad on Monday, has said Neymar must be fully fit and performing well to be considered for selection. “Physically, I feel great. I’ve improved with every match,” Neymar told reporters after Santos’ 3-0 loss to Coritiba Foot Ball Club on Sunday. “I gave everything I could. It wasn’t easy,” he said. Neymar said he worked hard in silence while facing criticism over his fitness and lifestyle. “People said many unfair things. I stayed at home, worked hard and suffered because of those comments. But everything has worked out,” he said. “I’ve reached the point I wanted to reach, and I’m happy with what I’ve done so far.” The 34-year-old said he trusts Ancelotti to choose the best 26 players for the tournament. During Sunday’s match, Neymar became visibly upset after he was mistakenly substituted, an incident that came just one day before the squad announcement. Brazil will be aiming to win a record sixth World Cup title. They are drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in the tournament, which will be held in North America from June 11 to July 19. Source: The Straits Times

Chelsea have appointed former Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract starting next season, as the club looks to restore stability following a turbulent period under its current ownership. Alonso will officially take charge on July 1, replacing Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month. He becomes the fifth permanent manager hired by the club’s owners, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, since their takeover in 2022. The Spaniard returns to management after a brief and difficult stint with Real Madrid, where he left by mutual consent in January after just eight months amid poor results and reports of dressing room unrest. Prior to that, Alonso earned widespread praise during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the team to a Bundesliga title and an unbeaten domestic campaign in the 2023–24 season. Chelsea described him as “one of the most respected figures in the modern game.” “From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition,” Alonso said in a club statement. “We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.” Chelsea, who last won the UEFA Champions League in 2021, have endured a difficult campaign and are unlikely to qualify for next season’s competition. Their hopes of silverware this season ended with defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Alonso said his focus will be on “hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies,” adding that the squad has “great talent and huge potential.” The appointment comes amid growing scrutiny of Chelsea’s ownership, which has spent heavily — around $2.5 billion on player recruitment — while the club has also accumulated significant debt and reported record pre-tax losses. Despite the challenges, Alonso — previously linked with a move to Liverpool FC — described Chelsea as “one of the biggest clubs in world football.” Chelsea said his hiring reflects confidence in his leadership qualities, coaching ability and long-term vision as the club seeks to rebuild. Interim coach Calum McFarlane will remain in charge for the team’s final two Premier League matches of the season against Tottenham and Sunderland.  

Brazil defender Paulo Henrique is in a race against time to be fit for the FIFA World Cup after missing Vasco da Gama’s Serie A clash against Internacional on Saturday due to an ankle injury. The 29-year-old right-back twisted his right ankle during Vasco’s midweek Copa do Brasil draw with Paysandu and was stretchered off the field. “The player is undergoing intensive treatment and was rested to manage workload,” Vasco said in a statement on social media. Man City seeks to end FA Cup final losing streak against troubled Chelsea Paulo Henrique was named in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, which is set to begin on June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce the final 26-man squad on Monday in Rio de Janeiro. Paulo Henrique has earned two caps for Brazil and scored his first international goal in a friendly against Japan last October.

Manchester City F.C. will face Chelsea F.C. in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with City aiming to win the trophy again after losing the last two finals. City were beaten by Crystal Palace F.C. and Manchester United F.C. in the previous two FA Cup finals. Their last triumph in the competition came in 2023. The final will be City's fourth in a row, a new record for the club. Coach Pep Guardiola is also chasing a domestic treble after already winning the English League Cup this season. City remain in the race for the Premier League title as well. They are currently second in the standings, two points behind Arsenal F.C. with two matches left. Chelsea head into the final after a difficult season. The FIFA Club World Cup champions have dismissed two coaches since the start of the year and are now being led by interim manager Calum McFarlane. McFarlane will be hoping to guide Chelsea to a memorable victory and prevent Guardiola from winning his 17th major trophy with City and the 35th of his coaching career.

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom is scheduled to meet officials from the Iranian Football Association in Istanbul to discuss Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, a source familiar with the matter told media. The discussions are intended to provide assurances regarding Iran’s ability to take part in the tournament, the source added. Late own goal delays Ronaldo’s first Saudi league title with Al-Nassr Iran is due to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States. However, its participation in the June 11 to July 19 competition has come under uncertainty following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel in late February. With inputs from Al Jazeera

The World Cup — officially — has an official song. Shakira and Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy have combined to release “Dai Dai,” FIFA said in a statement Friday. “Dai Dai brings together the global sounds and energy of Shakira and Burna Boy in a vibrant celebration of football, culture and unity," FIFA said. In early May, Colombian singer Shakira foreshadowed Friday's news by sharing a minute-long teaser clip of a new song, writing on social media: “From Maracaná Stadium, here is “Dai Dai,” the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026.” FIFA said royalties from the song, which is available on major streaming platforms, will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. On Thursday, FIFA announced that the final on July 19 in New Jersey will feature a star-studded halftime show headlined by Madonna, Shakira and boy band BTS. The World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and begins in June.

Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the first-ever half-time show at the FIFA World Cup Final, organizers announced. The final of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to take place on July 19 in New Jersey. While opening and pre-match performances are common at major sporting events, this will be the first time a Super Bowl-style half-time show is held during a World Cup final. Shakira is set to release the official World Cup song, Dai Dai, featuring Burna Boy. She previously recorded Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Madonna, widely known as the “Queen of Pop,” is preparing to release her 15th studio album, Confessions II, on July 3. She recently appeared with Sabrina Carpenter at the Coachella, performing Vogue and Like a Prayer. BTS, the best-selling music act in South Korean history, has sold more than 45 million albums. The group is returning to music after completing mandatory military service and is currently on a global tour. In 2021, BTS and Coldplay scored a hit with My Universe. Gianni Infantino said the show would be a historic moment for the World Cup and fit for the world’s biggest sporting event. The half-time show is being curated by Chris Martin and will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to collect $100 million to support children around the world. Source: BBC

Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for a maiden Saudi Pro League title was put on hold in dramatic fashion on Tuesday after a late own-goal saw Al-Nassr settle for a 1-1 draw against rivals Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr appeared to have the victory secured, holding a 1-0 lead into the eighth minute of stoppage time. However, in the final seconds of the match, Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento fumbled a long throw-in, inadvertently sending the ball into his own net. Ronaldo, who had already been substituted and was watching from the bench, appeared visibly distraught as the final whistle blew. Despite the setback, the 41-year-old superstar remained optimistic, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that the "dream is close" and urging his team to take the final step. Al-Nassr, seeking their first league title since 2019, currently holds a five-point lead over second-placed Al-Hilal. They can clinch the championship with a victory over Damac in the final round on May 21. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, must win their remaining two matches and hope for an Al-Nassr slip-up to stay in contention. Before the league finale, Ronaldo has the opportunity to secure his first major trophy with the club this Sunday, when Al-Nassr faces Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the Champions League Two final in Riyadh. The veteran striker, who is approaching 1,000 career goals, is also preparing for his sixth World Cup with Portugal. FIFA recently deferred a portion of a match ban, ensuring he is eligible for Portugal's opening game in what he has confirmed will be his final attempt at winning the World Cup.