United News of Bangladesh

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and three host countries across 39 days of competition. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the event marks the first World Cup since FIFA expanded the field from 32 to 48 teams. The new format adds 12 more teams, four additional groups in the first round and a new round of 32 in the knockout stage. The last expansion came in 1998, when the tournament grew from 24 to 32 teams. The 2026 edition is also only the second World Cup to be staged by multiple countries after Japan and South Korea co-hosted in 2002. A total of 16 stadiums will host matches, including 11 venues in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada. Mexico and Canada will each stage 13 matches, while the remaining 78 games, including all quarterfinals, semifinals and the final, will be played in the United States. Here are some key numbers behind the tournament: 1,248 players A record 1,248 players from 449 clubs across 71 countries have been selected for the tournament. Of them, 357 have previous World Cup experience, while 891 will be making their debut. England-based clubs provide the highest number of players with 200, followed by Germany (109), France (86), Spain (86), Italy (71) and Saudi Arabia (49). At club level, Manchester City leads with 19 players in the tournament, ahead of Bayern Munich with 18. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal each have 16 players, while Barcelona has 15. 226 international appearances Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo enters the tournament with a record 226 international caps. He and Lionel Messi are set to become the first players to appear in six World Cups. Ronaldo remains the only player to have scored in five different World Cups and has netted eight goals in 22 World Cup matches. Messi holds the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 matches, while Luka Modrić is closing in on 200 international appearances. 16 World Cup goals The all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, held by Miroslav Klose, could come under threat. Messi has scored 13 World Cup goals, while France striker Kylian Mbappé already has 12 goals from the last two tournaments. 8 champions Only eight countries have ever won the World Cup. Brazil leads with five titles, while Italy and Germany have four each. The most recent first-time champions were France in 1998 and Spain in 2010. 2 successful title defenses Only Brazil and Italy have successfully defended a World Cup title. Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962, while Italy won back-to-back crowns in 1934 and 1938. 6 defending champions eliminated early Six reigning champions have failed to advance beyond the group stage, including three in the last four tournaments. Italy exited early in 2010, Spain in 2014 and Germany in 2018. 3 straight finals? France will attempt to become only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals after winning in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2022. 23 appearances for Brazil Brazil national football team is the only nation to have appeared in every World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1930. Brazil also leads all countries with 76 World Cup wins, 237 goals and a goal difference of +129. 4 debutants Four nations will make their World Cup debut in 2026: Cape Verde national football team, Curaçao national football team, Jordan national football team and Uzbekistan national football team. Their participation will raise the total number of countries that have played in the World Cup to 84. 7 matches without a win Egypt national football team has played seven World Cup matches without recording a victory, with a record of two draws and five defeats. Only Honduras has gone longer without a win, having played nine matches, but it did not qualify for this year's tournament. 2,720 goals A total of 2,720 goals have been scored in 964 matches across the first 22 World Cups. With 40 additional matches in 2026 compared with previous tournaments, the record of 172 goals scored at the 2022 World Cup is expected to be surpassed. 25-year age gap The oldest player in the tournament is Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who will be 43 years old when the competition begins. The youngest is Mexico midfielder Gilbert Mora, who is just 17, creating an age difference of more than 25 years between the oldest and youngest participants.  

Brazil has been forced to make a late change to its World Cup squad after right back Wesley was ruled out with a thigh injury less than a week before the team's opening match against Morocco. The Brazilian Football Confederation said on Sunday that Wesley suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh during Brazil’s friendly against Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday. Medical scans later confirmed the injury was serious enough to end his World Cup campaign. "Wesley is a player who is highly valued by the squad and will always remain part of this team striving to win a sixth world title," the confederation said in a statement. Midfielder Éderson, 26, has been called up as Wesley’s replacement and is expected to join the 26-man squad in the United States. Brazil will begin its World Cup group-stage campaign on Saturday at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Meanwhile, concerns remain over the fitness of veteran forward Neymar. The 34-year-old did not travel with the team to Cleveland and is currently sidelined with a calf injury.

As the FIFA World Cup draws closer, the legacy of Brazilian football icon Pelé continues to attract visitors to Santos, the coastal city where he built most of his legendary career. Tourists from around the world visit Santos to explore places linked to Pelé, whose full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. His presence can still be felt across the city through colorful murals, football memorabilia and tributes displayed in public spaces. Among the visitors is 67-year-old Mexican retiree Mario Álvarez Gamiño, who traveled to Santos to learn more about the football legend. "His legacy is very important. His life remains an example for everyone," Álvarez said. He praised Pelé not only for his football skills but also for his humility, describing him as a true genius. Pelé, who died in 2022 at the age of 82, spent most of his career at Santos Futebol Clube between 1956 and 1974. He also helped Brazil win three FIFA World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970, a record that still stands. The city is home to the Pelé Museum, which showcases the football star's life and achievements through trophies, jerseys, photographs and other memorabilia. Museum director Paulo Monteiro said Pelé's name remains closely tied to Santos around the world. "When people from other countries hear the name Santos, the first thing they think of is Pelé," Monteiro said. "After his passing, our responsibility has become even greater. We want to ensure that his legacy remains alive for future generations." Many of Santos' more than 400,000 residents were too young to watch Pelé play, but they still take pride in his connection to the city. Local bar owner Anderson Albino said Pelé continues to bring attention and visitors to Santos. "We see international media and tourists coming here because of Pelé," Albino said. "For those of us who live in Santos, it is a great honor that he played for our club and represented our city."

Iran's national football team will be allowed to enter the United States only on the days of its World Cup matches and must leave the country the same day due to US visa restrictions, according to Iran's ambassador. Speaking to media, Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh said, “We can enter in the morning and we must leave the same day,” citing restrictions imposed on Iranian travelers. Messi absent from friendly win over Honduras due to muscle fatigue The envoy's remarks come as Iran has shifted its World Cup preparations to Mexico, abandoning earlier plans to train in Tucson amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the United States during the World Cup, including two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, Washington. Tensions in the region intensified after the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran in late February, setting off a series of retaliatory attacks and contributing to broader instability across the Middle East. In response, Iran carried out strikes against Israel and targeted countries hosting US military bases. It also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important route for global energy supplies. Source: Al Jazeera

Lionel Messi did not play in Argentina’s friendly against Honduras on Saturday night as he continued to manage muscle fatigue and a mild strain in his left hamstring ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Messi, who will turn 39 in three weeks, participated in the pre-match warm-up with his teammates at Kyle Field on the campus of Texas A&M. However, he remained on the bench throughout the match, watching from the sidelines as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory. Messi could return in Argentina warm-ups Argentina has said Messi’s return will depend on his “clinical and functional progress.” The team is scheduled to face Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday in its final World Cup warm-up match before resuming training in Kansas City. The defending champions will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16. During a training session in Kansas City on Wednesday, Messi arrived on the practice field after the rest of the squad and carried out conditioning exercises separately. Widely expected to retire from international football after this summer’s World Cup, Messi holds the record for the most World Cup appearances with 26 matches. He is also four goals away from surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who holds the tournament scoring record with 16 goals.

Lionel Messi could feature in Argentina's World Cup warm-up fixtures as he recovers from a hamstring injury, Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni said on Friday. Messi was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring while playing for Inter Miami in a 6-4 MLS win over Philadelphia on May 24. Scaloni said the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner might be available for Saturday's friendly against Honduras in College Station, Texas, or its final preparatory game against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday. "Leo is doing well," Scaloni told reporters. "He trained for a while with the main group, which is important. He's not fully recovered, but he's coming along. He may get some minutes in these two friendlies. We'll see if it's the one tomorrow or the next one. But he's doing a lot better and that gives us peace of mind." Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Nico Paz and Gonzalo Montiel also trained separately as they recover from minor injuries. Scaloni said he would seek to replace any players that are not 100% fit before the tournament. "It may happen," he said. "Today we have the feeling that the guys are doing well, but what we're completely sure of is that if any one of them is not available, they'll be left out." "We have that clear. For now, they're doing well, but we've been monitoring them. When the decisive stage arrives, which is the final week, where they have to ramp up to see if they are 100%, that's when we'll decide, even though it'll hurt a lot if any one of the guys has to be left out." Argentina will start its World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.  

India regained the South Asian women's football crown on Saturday, defeating holders Bangladesh 3-1 in the SAFF Women’s Championship final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. The defeat shattered Bangladesh's hopes of a third consecutive title, ending their brief regional dominance and handing India a record sixth championship. Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler shook up his starting lineup for the decider, bringing in star forwards Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar Junior. Both teams squandered early chances in a high-tempo opening before India broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Pyari Xaxa pounced on a defensive lapse to hit a strike that deflected off defender Suravi Akter Afrin, looping over an advanced Mile Akter in goal. Bangladesh struck back deep into first-half injury time. Winger Ritu Porna Chakma collected a sharp pass from Tohura, cut inside from the left flank, and hit a low diagonal shot past the Indian goalkeeper to equalize. It was the first goal India conceded in the entire tournament. However, the momentum shifted back to India just 48 seconds after the restart. Sanfida Nongrum got ahead of the Bangladeshi defense to meet a cross from Xaxa, directing a powerful header into the net. Butler tried to spark a recovery by introducing Monika Chakma for Anika Rania Siddika in the 60th minute. Bangladesh then had a strong penalty appeal turned down shortly after when Shamsunnahar Senior went down after a challenge with Malvika in the box. As Bangladesh pushed forward, their defensive shape collapsed. India took full advantage of the disarray in the 83rd minute when Linda Kom Serto slotted home a third goal to wrap up the victory for Crispin Chettri’s side.

Iran’s national football team is set to leave its training camp in Turkey for Mexico on Saturday as preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup, although several federation officials were still awaiting U.S. visas ahead of matches scheduled in the United States. Iranian state television reported that a number of officials due to accompany the squad had not yet received permission to enter the U.S. Among them were Iranian Football Federation Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeini and Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, along with other support staff and administrators. It remained unclear whether federation president Mehdi Taj had received a visa. The issue comes amid heightened tensions following the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Visa-related complications earlier prompted Iran to relocate its World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico near the U.S. border. In a statement carried by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim and Mehr news agencies, the football federation accused the United States of “vindictive behavior” for denying visas to what it described as key managerial and administrative personnel. The federation argued that the decision undermined fair competition and said it would raise the matter with world football governing body FIFA. According to U.S. officials cited by The Associated Press, all Iranian players have been approved for visas. Visas were also reportedly issued to coaches, trainers and some support staff. However, one official suggested that certain applicants linked to the team had been denied visas after allegedly applying under false pretenses. The officials spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Iran has been training in Antalya ahead of the tournament and has already secured visas for Mexico through the Mexican Embassy in Ankara. Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, before facing Belgium on June 21 at the same venue. The team will then travel to Seattle to take on Egypt on June 26. A potential meeting between Iran and the United States could take place in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, if both teams finish second in their respective groups. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump questioned Iran’s participation in the tournament, citing concerns over security and appropriateness. Iran’s national team rejected the suggestion, insisting that no one could prevent it from competing. Iran announced its final World Cup squad on Monday, including 17 players from domestic clubs that have not played competitive matches since February due to the war. Star striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad after reportedly posting content on social media that angered Iranian authorities during the conflict. Although Iran’s sports minister said in March that participation in the World Cup might not be possible, the football federation later confirmed that preparations would continue and reiterated its demand that all players and staff, including those with past military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, be granted visas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday joined millions of fans across Bangladesh and around the world in congratulating the team, the Bangladesh Football Federation, and all associated on this groundbreaking performance as the team secured its first-ever victory on European soil. Despite playing away from home, the Bangladesh team was cheered on by hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals who travelled from across Europe to support the team - a testament to the spirit and pride of our diaspora community. Bangladesh script history with maiden win over European side on European soil The Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy were also present to support and encourage the team on this historic occasion, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a landmark moment for Bangladeshi football, the Bangladesh National Football Team has etched its name into the history books by securing its first-ever victory on European soil, defeating San Marino in last evening’s (5 June 2026) FIFA international friendly match. The historic triumph, which ended with a scoreline of [2-1], marks a monumental milestone for the Bengal Tigers. Played at the San Marino Stadium, the team displayed resilience, tactical discipline, and a fighting spirit that captivated fans back home and around the globe.

Stadium workers at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike just days before the venue hosts the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening World Cup match. The vote does not mean an immediate walkout, but it gives around 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers the option to strike if contract negotiations with the stadium’s food service provider collapse. The development comes ahead of the June 12 match against Paraguay, one of the early fixtures of the tournament in the United States. A union representative said workers could go on strike during the match if no agreement is reached. Workers say they are concerned about low wages and job security, particularly amid increased immigration enforcement under the current US administration. Local authorities have said federal agents may be present at World Cup events for security purposes, but not for immigration enforcement. “What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay rent and fear being picked up by immigration agents?” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. He added that a strike could disrupt premium hospitality services at the stadium. Legends Global, which manages hospitality services at SoFi Stadium, said it remains committed to reaching an agreement and maintaining a good relationship with the union. The company said it expects to deliver a high-quality experience for fans during the FIFA World Cup matches. Union leaders, however, say negotiations have been moving slowly, with only limited wage increases offered for some workers and pay freezes for others despite the expected high revenues from the tournament. They are also demanding stronger protections against subcontracting and immigration-related disruptions. A stadium bartender said many workers are long-time soccer fans but feel disappointed by the lack of progress in talks. “The World Cup will generate huge profits, but we are still fighting for basic respect and safety,” he said, adding he is ready to strike if needed. Community groups in other host cities, including Atlanta and Miami, have also raised concerns about immigration enforcement during the tournament, warning it could affect fan celebrations and public events. The World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans across 11 US cities, as well as venues in Canada and Mexico, during June and July.