United News of Bangladesh

The much talked-about AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match between two traditional rivals India and Bangladesh will be held on Tuesday (Match 25) in the Indian hill city of Shillong. Bangladesh will start their four-team Group C campaign of the AFC Asian Cup with an away match against their giant rival India, which will kick off on Tuesday at 7:30pm at the grass ground of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The match will carry special significance as the Bangladesh-origin English Premier League playing attacking midfielder Hamza Dewan Choudhury is going to make debut for Bangladesh national team, for the first time for any national side. Moreover, former Indian captain cum celebrated footballer Sunil Chettri returned back to the Indian team again from retirement to play against Bangladesh. Ahead of the match against India, Bangladesh team took a 12-day intensive training in Saudi Arabia's city Taif before moving to India. Addressing a pre-match official press conference in Shillong Monday noon, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan said, “although India (ranked 126) is 59 steps ahead of Bangladesh (ranked 185) in FIFA ranking, but we do not keep in mind, and our full focus is to win the match”. “English Premier League player Hamza will be the main attraction and inspiration of our team against India and our players want to win the match,” he further added. The Spanish Head Coach of Bangladesh team Javier Cabrera in the press conference said, “It will be an exciting and tight match (against India), we are ready and confident to do well making the things very difficult for India." The Spanish Head Coach of India Manolo Marquez praised the inclusion of English footballer Hamza in the Bangladesh team saying “It is good for Asian football, he is a very good player and I think it will be a good game tomorrow (Tuesday)." The India team, which prepared themselves at the match venue in Shillong for about the last ten days, beat the Maldives team by 3-0 goals in a preparatory match there last week. Booters reach Shillong to play AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against India Bangladesh team, which reached Shillong last Thursday for the AFC Asian Cup match, failed to make proper practices there for not getting a standard practice venue. Bangladesh practiced first last Friday at the below standard grass ground of the North -Eastern Hills University in Shillong. Bangladesh did not practice at the University ground on the next day (Saturday) and looked for a grass ground there, but failed. Finally, they were forced to make practices under rented floodlights at the turf of the Nehru Stadium Saturday evening. Bangladesh team practices at the Nehru Stadium turf for the 2nd consecutive day Sunday afternoon, although they have to play a match against India in the grass ground. However, Bangladesh team will make final practices at the match venue of Jawaharlal Nehru in Shillong on Monday Bangladesh squad: Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, and Mehdi Hasan Srabon. Defenders: Shakil Ahad, Shakil Hossain, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faisal, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Topu Barman, Saad Uddin, Mohammad Ridoy and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmranee Midfielders: Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Chandon Roy, Mojibar Rahman Jony, Shekh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuyan, Hamza Dewan Chowdhury and Foysal Ahmed Fahim. Forwards: Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon, Mohammad Ibrahim and Al Amin

The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams, and New Zealand qualified on Monday five days after Japan became the first nation excluding the three hosts to secure a spot. Other teams could follow in the current international window. Next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off on June 11 and the final will take place on July 19. Forty-three teams will get their spots through their continent’s qualifying process. Another two will secure their berths in the international playoffs featuring six teams and scheduled for March 2026. What is the breakdown of berths? Asia will have eight direct berths and one in the intercontinental playoff. Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the intercontinental playoff. North and Central America plus the Caribbean get three direct berths and another two spots in the intercontinental playoffs. South America has six direct spots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs. Oceania for the first time has a guaranteed spot at the World Cup, and New Zealand clinched that with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in Auckland. It could add another with New Caledonia going into the intercontinental playoffs. Europe will have 16 teams sure to play in the next World Cup. Who has qualified so far? The three host countries automatically qualify — and thus occupy three of the CONCACAF spots Host nations United States, Mexico, Canada Asia Japan (qualified on March 20 by beating Bahrain 2-0) Oceania New Zealand (qualified on March 24 by beating New Caledonia 3-0)

Emil Forsberg netted a goal in each half, steering the New York Red Bulls to a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday night. The Red Bulls (2-1-2) grabbed a 1-0 advantage before halftime, with Forsberg converting a penalty kick in the 44th minute. The spot-kick was awarded after Toronto defender Henry Wingo fouled Raheem Edwards, who previously spent three seasons with Toronto. Toronto (0-4-1) found the equalizer in the 70th minute through Deandre Kerr, who scored his second goal of the season and 13th in 79 career appearances. Derrick Etienne Jr. and Lorenzo Insigne registered their first assists of the campaign. Etienne, a former Red Bulls player, spent five seasons with the club. New York reclaimed the lead in the 76th minute as Forsberg struck again, marking his third goal this season and 12th in 24 career games. Felipe Carballo provided his first career assist in his 13th appearance. Forsberg has now tallied eight goal contributions in his last eight outings. Vinicius Júnior’s late strike secures Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Colombia in World Cup Qualifying Red Bulls’ 25-year-old goalkeeper AJ Marcucci made his league debut, recording one save in place of Carlos Coronel, who is away on international duty with Paraguay. Toronto’s Sean Johnson finished with four saves. The Red Bulls extended their home dominance over Toronto, securing their eighth consecutive victory and remaining unbeaten in the last 10 home encounters. Toronto last won on the road against New York in 2016. Up next, Toronto will host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, while the Red Bulls visit the New England Revolution. Source: With input from agency  

Ritu Porna Chakma, a key member of Bangladesh’s SAFF-winning women’s football team, has alleged she is facing obstruction in the construction of a house promised by local authorities following her contribution to the nation’s success. Ritu, who scored in the final against Nepal in the last SAFF Championship and was named the tournament’s best player, made the complaint in a Facebook post on Saturday. She said she was promised a house and a road to her home in Rangamati by the district administration after Bangladesh’s first SAFF victory in 2022. While fellow footballer Rupna Chakma received a house then, Ritu said her promises were never fulfilled. “I didn’t ask for anything for myself, only a road for my villagers,” Ritu wrote. “The administration promised both road repairs and a house on a selected plot, which I agreed to. But nothing was implemented.” Following the 2024 SAFF win, Ritu said she received a similar royal reception and was hopeful that previous promises would now be fulfilled. Bangladesh team flies to Kolkata Thursday for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against India She said the local UNO recently informed her of a budget allocation for the road construction and even installed a tube well at her home with personal initiative. According to Ritu, she was later told the district commissioner approved the house construction and allocated funds. “I was very happy and excited,” she wrote. “But now I’m hearing that certain groups are trying to block the construction. Is there no space for me in my own area?” Ritu ended her post with disappointment: “I’ve been representing Bangladesh since 2017, but have I received the respect I deserve from my own district?” Local authorities have not yet responded to her claims.

A dramatic last-minute goal from Vinicius Júnior handed Brazil a crucial 2-1 victory over Colombia in a South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday, easing pressure on the team and its supporters. A draw would have dropped Brazil to sixth in the standings, but Vinicius’ long-range effort ensured the five-time world champions moved up to second place, trailing Argentina. With six teams guaranteed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, the win was a vital boost for coach Dorival Júnior ahead of next week's clash with Argentina. Argentina remains atop the table with 25 points from 12 matches, four ahead of Brazil, which has 21 points from 13 games. The reigning world champions, however, will be without Lionel Messi for their upcoming fixture against Uruguay before facing Brazil next Tuesday. Argentina had edged out Brazil 1-0 at the Maracanã Stadium in their last encounter in 2023. Brazil will be without Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Magalhães for the Argentina match due to suspensions. Additionally, goalkeeper Alisson and Colombia's Davinson Sánchez were taken off due to concussion protocols and will miss their respective teams' next qualifiers. Colombia is set to host Paraguay in its next match. Vinicius Júnior Delivers for Brazil Booters reach Shillong to play AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against IndiaBrazil showed greater intensity than in previous matches, displaying speed and technical skill. An early penalty conversion by Raphinha, following a foul on Vinicius Júnior, put the hosts in control. However, despite dominating possession, Brazil failed to capitalize on its lead in front of 70,000 home fans. Colombia equalized in the 41st minute when Luis Díaz finished off a cross from James Rodríguez, punishing a defensive lapse by Brazil. The visitors had gained possession near the edge of the box after substitute Joelinton, who replaced the injured Gerson, lost the ball. Both teams struggled for accuracy in the second half until Vinicius Júnior unleashed a long-range strike that deflected off Jefferson Lerma and found the net past Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. “This goal was really important—we deserved the win. I deserved this goal too for all the work I’ve put in,” said Vinicius, who netted his first goal of the qualifying campaign. “It’s a mix of relief and happiness.” Coach Dorival Júnior highlighted the significance of the victory. “It was key because of where we are at this moment. We are still building, and although things aren’t perfect, we’re improving step by step.” Colombia’s coach, Néstor Lorenzo, expressed frustration with the result. “Once again, we played a great match but left with nothing. We deserved more.” Colombia sits in sixth place with 19 points. Paraguay Strengthens Qualification HopesParaguay extended its unbeaten run under coach Gustavo Alfaro with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chile in Asunción. The hosts dominated, limiting Chile’s scoring chances, and secured victory through Omar Alderete’s close-range finish following a well-executed set-piece play. Paraguay, now fourth with 20 points, bolstered its chances of reaching the World Cup, while Chile remains last in the standings with just nine points. Mbappé returns to lead France against Croatia, Acknowledges past leadership struggles Elsewhere, Peru triumphed 3-1 over Bolivia. Andy Polo struck in the 37th minute, Paolo Guerrero doubled the lead before halftime, and Edison Flores sealed the win in the 82nd minute. Bolivia's Miguel Terceros pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 58th. Despite the loss, Bolivia remains in seventh place with 13 points, keeping its hopes alive for an intercontinental playoff spot. Peru, with 10 points, is currently in ninth place. Source: With input from agency 

Croatia secured a 2-0 victory over France in the first leg of the Nations League quarterfinals on Thursday, effectively neutralizing the attacking threat of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Ante Budimir put Croatia ahead in the 26th minute, heading in a cross from Ivan Perišić. Although French goalkeeper Mike Maignan managed to get a touch on the ball, it still crossed the line. Perišić extended Croatia’s lead during first-half stoppage time, overshadowing Mbappé’s much-anticipated return to international duty after six months. Earlier in the match, Maignan denied Croatia a third goal by saving an eighth-minute penalty from Andrej Kramarić, using his feet to block the shot after diving to his right. Mbappé, making his first national team start since France's 3-1 defeat to Italy on September 6, captained Les Bleus and attempted multiple shots on target. However, Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made key saves to keep him at bay. Both Mbappé and Dembélé have been prolific this season, each surpassing 30 goals in all competitions. Despite being third on France’s all-time scoring list with 48 goals, Mbappé has found the net in only two of his last 13 international appearances. Germany, Spain, and Denmark in Action Dybala to undergo thigh surgeryIn other quarterfinal first-leg matches, Germany came from behind to defeat Italy 2-1, defending champions Spain salvaged a 2-2 draw against 10-man Netherlands, and Denmark edged past Portugal 1-0. Germany ended a decades-long winless streak in Italy with a 2-1 victory at San Siro. Captain Joshua Kimmich played a pivotal role, delivering crosses that led to goals for Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka. Italy initially took the lead through Sandro Tonali’s finish off a deflected pass from Giacomo Raspadori. Spain, meanwhile, managed a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against the Netherlands in Rotterdam. After trailing 2-1 and going up against a 10-man Dutch side following Jorrel Hato’s red card, Mikel Merino found the back of the net in the dying moments. Earlier, Lamine Yamal assisted Nico Williams for Spain’s opening goal, while Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders scored for the Netherlands. Denmark secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal, with substitute Rasmus Højlund breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute. Christian Eriksen missed a first-half penalty, marking his first miss from the spot since 2016. Cristiano Ronaldo, extending his international appearances record to 218, was unable to add to his tally of 135 goals. Mbappé returns to lead France against Croatia, Acknowledges past leadership struggles The winners of these ties will advance to the four-team final tournament, set to take place from June 4-8. The second-leg quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Sunday. Source: With input from agency 

Roma’s attempt at returning to the Champions League took a hit with the announcement on Thursday that Paulo Dybala will undergo left thigh surgery — ruling the Argentina playmaker out for the rest of the season. Dybala was injured during a 1-0 win over Cagliari on Sunday. “Paulo Dybala will undergo surgery in the coming days following an injury to his left semitendinosus tendon,” Roma said. “The player and the club have mutually agreed that this is the best course of action for an optimal recovery.” Japan, first team to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup Roma has surged up to seventh place with a 13-match unbeaten run under Claudio Ranieri in Serie A and has won six straight in the Italian league. The Giallorossi are four points behind fourth-placed Bologna and the final Champions League spot. Roma has not played in the Champions League since 2018-19. Roma was eliminated from the Europa League by Athletic Bilbao last week. Booters reach Shillong to play AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against India The often-injured Dybala has six goals in 24 appearances this season. He has not reached 30 appearances in a Serie A season since 2019-20, when he played in 33 games for Juventus. Dybala was left off of Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil because of his injury.

Bangladesh national football team reached the Indian hill city of Shillong on Thursday afternoon via Kolkata to compete in their first away match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against hosts India on March 25. The team left Dhaka for Kolkata at 9 am on Thursday and reached Shillong Airport at 4 pm local time after waiting for a few hours at Kolkata Airport. English Premier League footballer and celebrated booter Hamza Choudhury is expected to make his debut for the Bangladesh national team, marking the first time he plays for any national side, in the country’s most anticipated match against their giant neighbor India on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong." Earlier, the full squad of the Bangladesh team, including Hamza Chowdhury took part in the final practice session on Wednesday evening at the Bashundhara Kings Arena after the team's official photo session. BCCI announces Rs 58 cr reward for Champions Trophy winners Although the Bangladesh football team has reached the match venue, Shillong, Spanish head coach Javier Cabrera has yet to finalize the 23-member final squad, which will be decided during the team’s manager meeting on March 24. A 24-member Bangladesh team reached Shillong including two new faces Hamza Choudhury and forward Al Amin, although 27 footballers took part in team’s official photo session on Wednesday.       Italian league playing Fahamedul Islam, who joined the national team training camp in the Saudi city Taif and played a preparatory match there, returned home directly from Saudi Arabia as the coach not considered him for the final squad. Besides, two more players – defenders Papon Singh and Sushanto Tripura – who injured in Saudi Arabia also excluded from the final squad. Bangladesh team flies to Kolkata Thursday for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against India Finally, three more players –Ariful Hossain, Pias Ahmed Nova and Mohammad Tajuddin –dropped from the final squad last night (Wednesday night).  24-member Bangladesh squad, now in Shillong are: Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, and Mehdi Hasan Srabon. Defenders: Shakil Ahad, Shakil Hossain, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faisal, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Topu Barman, Saad Uddin, Mohammad Ridoy and Syed Shah Quazem Kirmranee Midfielders: Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Chandon Roy, Mojibar Rahman Jony, Shekh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuyan, Hamza Dewan Chowdhury and Foysal Ahmed Fahim. Forwards: Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon, Mohammad Ibrahim and Al Amin

Kylian Mbappé is back in action for France as they face Croatia in the Nations League quarterfinals, marking his return after a six-month absence. On Wednesday, he admitted to past shortcomings in his captaincy. Now a Real Madrid player, Mbappé will captain Les Bleus in Split for Thursday’s first leg, with the return fixture set for Sunday at Stade de France. This will be his first start for France since a 3-1 defeat to Italy on Sept. 6 at Parc des Princes, the home stadium of his former club Paris Saint-Germain. Reflecting on that period, Mbappé acknowledged he did not handle his responsibilities well. “I am self-aware enough to recognize my strengths and weaknesses. I know people were unhappy with my performances on and off the field, and I wasn’t at my best,” he said at a pre-match press conference. “I have no issue with self-criticism. I’ve always accepted fair and well-reasoned criticism.” Back in September, Mbappé struggled both for Madrid and the national team, initially dismissing public opinion as unimportant. At the time, he also expressed indifference about how PSG fans would react to his return to their stadium after his tense departure. However, six months later, he admits some of the criticism was justified. “I didn’t perform well against Italy, and my press conference didn’t unite people the way a captain should,” he conceded. “I accept that, but my focus now is on moving forward and not repeating those mistakes.” At 26, Mbappé ranks third on France’s all-time scoring list with 48 goals, though he has scored in only two of his last 12 international appearances. There were doubts about whether he would retain the captaincy, but after discussions with coach Didier Deschamps, he remained in the role. The 2018 World Cup winner missed Nations League matches against Israel and Italy last November due to what Deschamps described as “physical and mental struggles.” He was also absent from a previous France squad due to a minor thigh injury, yet still played for Real Madrid, which angered many French fans and raised questions about his commitment to the national team. Argentina and Brazil seek replacements for Messi and Neymar in World Cup Qualifiers Despite a slow start at Madrid, Mbappé has found his form, netting 31 goals in 44 matches this season. “I feel great, I’m enjoying my football,” he said. “I’m happy to be here and help the team.” Mbappé is closing in on France’s top scorers, with only Thierry Henry (51 goals) and Olivier Giroud (57) ahead of him. Mbappé and Dembélé Reunite in AttackMbappé is set to rekindle his attacking partnership with PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé, currently the top scorer in the French league. Both players have surpassed 30 goals this season, but while Mbappé has done so for the seventh consecutive year, Dembélé has reached that milestone for the first time. “He’s another asset for us,” Mbappé said of his close friend. “His current form gives us more attacking options and makes us even harder to predict.” As they prepare to face Croatia, Mbappé is confident in their chemistry. Who Will Win the Ballon d'Or trophy in 2025: 5 Prospective Footballers “We just need to link up well,” he said. “But we know each other inside out, and we’re excited to play together.” Dembélé, however, has some catching up to do in international play, with only six goals in 53 appearances for France. Source: With input from agency 

Argentina and Brazil will face crucial World Cup qualifying matches without their biggest stars—Lionel Messi and Neymar. As they prepare for challenging fixtures, coaches Lionel Scaloni and Dorival Júnior are still evaluating their best options to fill the void. Defending champion Argentina leads the standings with 25 points after 12 matches and has a chance to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the coming days. The team will face second-place Uruguay on Friday before hosting Brazil in Buenos Aires next Tuesday. In their last encounter, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Brazil, currently in fifth place, will host fourth-place Colombia on Thursday. Other fixtures this week include Paraguay vs. Chile, Peru vs. Bolivia, and Ecuador vs. Venezuela. The top six teams will qualify directly for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while the seventh-place team will enter an intercontinental playoff. Brazil’s Lineup DilemmaBrazil’s position in the standings remains uncertain—it could secure qualification this month or risk slipping to seventh place, putting added pressure on coach Dorival Júnior. Without Neymar, Júnior has experimented with Savinho in attack alongside Rodrygo and Vinicius Júnior, with Raphinha positioned just behind them. However, reports suggest he also tested a different lineup with João Pedro as the central striker and Vinicius Júnior alongside him, supported by Raphinha and Rodrygo in midfield. Bangladesh team flies to Kolkata Thursday for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against India If those strategies fail, Júnior has additional options, including moving Raphinha to the wing or deploying teenage sensation Estêvão in that role, allowing Rodrygo to play as a central forward. “We try to keep players in their club positions, adjusting based on our opponents,” Júnior said in a press conference, without confirming his starting lineup. Several Brazilian players, including Danilo, Gabriel Magalhães, André, Bruno Guimarães, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Rodrygo, are at risk of suspension for the Argentina match if they receive yellow cards against Colombia. Brazil’s recent qualifiers saw them draw against Venezuela and Uruguay, with Júnior emphasizing that he is still refining his squad. Argentina’s Challenge Without MessiWith Messi sidelined due to a muscle injury, Scaloni had hoped to start Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez as Argentina’s attacking duo against Uruguay. However, Martínez also withdrew on Wednesday due to muscle fatigue. A victory in Montevideo would make Argentina the first South American team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Álvarez, who has netted 23 goals for Atlético Madrid this season, is now expected to lead the attack alone, with Thiago Almada filling Messi’s playmaking role. Messi sustained a left thigh injury during Inter Miami's 2-1 win over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. Japan close to securing 2026 World Cup spot Several Argentine players—including Nicolás Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo de Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister—must also be cautious, as another yellow card against Uruguay would rule them out of the Brazil clash. Argentina will play a charity friendly on Saturday against a local U-20 team at Huracán Stadium in Buenos Aires to raise funds for rebuilding a hospital damaged by a recent storm in Bahía Blanca that claimed 16 lives. “We wanted to do something meaningful during the international break,” Scaloni said. Source: With input from agency