United News of Bangladesh

Team formations have become a major talking point at the World Cup, with coaches using a variety of tactical setups to get the best out of their players and counter their opponents. While every team starts with a goalkeeper, coaches have different ways of arranging their 10 outfield players. These formations, often represented by numbers such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, indicate how players are positioned across defence, midfield and attack. According to FIFA match reports, nine different formations were used during the opening round of group-stage matches. The traditional 4-4-2 system, featuring four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards, was the most widely used formation, adopted by 12 teams. However, it produced only two wins, with Scotland defeating Haiti and Ivory Coast beating Ecuador. Brazil, Uruguay and co-host Canada were among the teams using the setup. The 4-2-3-1 formation, which includes two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders and a lone striker, was used by 10 teams. The system proved successful for the United States, England, France and Austria. Another effective formation was the attack-minded 4-1-2-3, used by eight teams. It produced four victories, including wins for Mexico, Norway, Ghana and Colombia. Spain and the Netherlands also adopted the setup, which places greater emphasis on attacking play with three forwards. Seven teams opted for a 3-4-3 formation, designed to balance defence and attack through a strong midfield. South Korea and Germany were the only winners using this system, with Germany recording the tournament’s biggest win so far by defeating Curacao 7-1. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, used the well-known 4-3-3 formation to beat Algeria 3-0, with Messi scoring all three goals. The system, once famously used by Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team, remains popular for its attacking flexibility. The defensive 5-3-2 formation was used by South Africa, Tunisia and Congo. While South Africa and Tunisia lost, Congo managed an impressive 1-1 draw against Portugal. The Czech Republic was the only team to use a 5-2-3 setup, but suffered defeat against South Korea. Australia found success with a defensive 5-4-1 formation, defeating Turkey by prioritising solidity at the back. Meanwhile, Sweden used a 3-4-1-2 formation to secure a 5-1 victory over Tunisia. The system includes an attacking midfielder positioned behind two strikers to help link defence and attack. Football analysts note that many coaches now adjust formations depending on opponents or match situations, often changing tactics during games to protect leads or chase results.

FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks for the first time in World Cup history has sparked debate among experts, coaches and scientists, as concerns grow over extreme heat conditions in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Under the new rule, all matches include three-minute cooling breaks midway through each half, regardless of temperature or whether stadiums are air-conditioned or enclosed. FIFA said the measure is intended to “ensure equal conditions for all teams in all matches,” drawing on lessons from previous tournaments, including last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the US, where temperatures rose into the 90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius) and higher in several venues. Some critics argue the breaks disrupt match rhythm and could allow coaches to influence momentum, while others say they are too short to have a meaningful effect on cooling and rehydration in extreme conditions. Some coaches have also questioned the need for such breaks in every match, not only in high heat. Joshua L. DeVincenzo, assistant director of applied research services at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, said the breaks are designed to reduce the risk of incidents linked to heat stress and medical emergencies. Experts warn that even elite athletes face risks of exertional heat illness in hot and humid conditions, where the body overheats and places strain on the heart, muscles, nerves and central nervous system. Symptoms may include cramps, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, dehydration and reduced performance. In severe cases, when body temperature exceeds 105°F (40.5°C), athletes may experience confusion, aggression or loss of consciousness — signs of heat stroke requiring urgent medical attention, said Yuri Hosokawa of Waseda University. She has also called on FIFA to extend cooling breaks to at least six minutes. Experts note that exertional heat stroke is among the leading causes of death in athletes. Dehydration further increases risk, with players often losing 1–2 litres of sweat per hour and sometimes failing to fully replace fluids. Losing as little as 2% of body weight due to dehydration can significantly affect performance. Ryan Calsbeek, professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth College, said human performance improves with warmth up to a point, but beyond a threshold it declines sharply as the body struggles to regulate temperature. He said extreme heat can also impair decision-making, potentially influencing match outcomes. The wet bulb globe temperature — which accounts for heat, humidity, cloud cover and wind — becomes especially dangerous above about 95°F (35°C), though tolerance varies among individuals, he added. While FIFA’s three-minute breaks aim to help players cool down and rehydrate, experts say their effectiveness depends on how they are used, including cooling methods such as wet and cold towels applied to the neck, head, back and arms. Douglas Casa, CEO of the University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute, said such cooling can reduce body temperature, but argues longer breaks of five to six minutes would be more effective for hydration and recovery. Bharat Venkat, director of the Heat Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, said recovery needs vary by individual but emphasized that structured breaks are essential to prevent continuous heat strain. Experts also warn that rising global temperatures will require broader adjustments in sports scheduling and management. “As our planet gets hotter, changes in how and when sports are played will be necessary,” Venkat said.

Luis Díaz scored one goal and provided an assist on his debut on football’s biggest stage as Colombia secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Wednesday night in their World Cup opener. Daniel Muñoz, also appearing in his first World Cup match, opened the scoring in the 40th minute after a pass from Díaz. Díaz then netted the decisive goal in the 65th minute when his close-range effort deflected off diving goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and crossed the line. Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised for Uzbekistan in the 60th minute, marking the country’s World Cup debut in front of a largely pro-Colombia crowd of 80,824 at Estadio Azteca. Jaminton Campaz added a late goal in stoppage time to seal the win for Colombia, who are ranked 13th in the world and were strong favourites against 50th-ranked Uzbekistan. With the win, Colombia moved to the top of Group K, ahead of Portugal and Congo, who played out a surprising 1-1 draw earlier on Wednesday. Colombia will next face Congo on Thursday in Guadalajara, while Uzbekistan take on Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, in Houston. Known as the Cafeteros, Colombia returned to the World Cup after missing the 2022 Qatar edition. Their best performance came in 2014 in Brazil, when they reached the quarterfinals. Colombia finished third in South American qualifying behind Argentina and Ecuador, while Uzbekistan secured second place in their Asian qualifying group behind Iran.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time as Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup match on Wednesday night. The winning goal came in the fifth minute of second-half added time from a move Ghana had repeatedly worked on during its World Cup preparations. Brandon Thomas-Asante broke free down the left flank and delivered a low cross across the face of goal. Yirenkyi met it with a simple finish, sparking celebrations among his teammates as they rushed onto the field to embrace the two players. "We try to get the ball to the wings, put it into the box and have players making runs to finish," said the 20-year-old Yirenkyi, who scored his first international goal earlier this month in a friendly against Wales. "I just tried to keep moving forward and get into the box. The ball came to me and I finished it." Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada while awaiting trial on rape charges in England. The defeat denied Panama what would have been its first-ever World Cup point. The first half offered few clear opportunities. The only shot on target came in the second minute when Panama forward Cecilio Waterman connected with a low cross from Amir Murillo and directed an effort toward goal from the centre of the penalty area. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi reacted quickly to push the ball away. Ati-Zigi was involved in a couple of heavy collisions and was substituted at halftime. He was replaced by Benjamin Asare. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said the goalkeeper would undergo further assessment on Thursday. The victory moved Ghana to the top of Group L alongside England, which defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier in the day. After a largely cautious opening hour at a rainy BMO Field, the match became more open, with both teams creating chances. In the 65th minute, Thomas-Asante broke through Panama's defence and sent a pass across the six-yard box toward Jordan Ayew. However, defender Jiovany Ramos produced a timely tackle to prevent a certain goal. Antoine Semenyo, who initiated the winning move with a pass to Thomas-Asante, said Ghana struggled in the opening half before improving after the break. "Panama had a very good first half. They kept the ball well and we struggled with our press," Semenyo said. "But in the second half we found more energy, pressed higher and caused them problems, and that eventually led to the winning goal."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Congo in their opening match of the World Cup on Wednesday. Congo, making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, earned an impressive result against European opposition, becoming the second African team to make a strong start to the tournament after Cape Verde's goalless draw against Spain on Monday. "The World Cup is a tournament where this happens," Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said. "At times the performance is not up to the challenge." Playing before a crowd of 68,777 at NRG Stadium, largely made up of Portugal supporters, Congo secured the first World Cup point in its history after losing all three of its previous matches at the tournament. Many Congolese supporters were unable to travel to the United States because of restrictions related to Ebola concerns. "There was not enough blue in the stands, but the players are tough and they know how to overcome challenges," Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said. "I'm sure many Congolese people are proud of their team today." Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when João Neves headed home a cross from Pedro Neto. However, Congo equalised deep into first-half stoppage time as Yoane Wissa headed in a cross from Arthur Masuaku, sparking celebrations among the Congo supporters present. It was Congo's first-ever World Cup goal. "It's crazy," Wissa said. "Fifty-two years later we are here, we are back. It's been long, it's been difficult. Scoring that goal means a lot for all Congolese people, for me, my family and the fans." Congo's only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire and lost all three group-stage matches against Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil. "The goal changed things," Martínez said. "We almost felt the fear of not losing the game." Portugal struggled to find a winner despite several chances. Ronaldo missed opportunities in the 68th and 73rd minutes, sending both efforts wide of the right post. Asked whether he considered substituting Ronaldo, Martínez dismissed the idea. "It makes no sense to take off the world's top scorer when you need goals," he said. "Cristiano's experience in the box is important, and the way he attracts defenders is important." Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, surpassing the mark set by Canada's Atiba Hutchinson four years ago. The Portuguese star also joined Lionel Messi as the only players to appear in six World Cups. Messi, who scored a hat trick for Argentina on Tuesday, and Ronaldo are now the only players to have played in six editions of the tournament. Ronaldo still has the opportunity to become the first player to score in six different World Cups. Portugal came close again in the closing stages, but Bruno Fernandes sent a shot wide in the 90th minute. João Cancelo thought he had restored Portugal's lead in the 55th minute with an acrobatic bicycle kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. At the other end, Cédric Bakambu nearly put Congo ahead, only to see his effort strike the near post. Among those attending the match were the parents of Diogo Jota, the Portugal international who died alongside his brother in a car accident last summer. They watched the game from a luxury suite at the stadium.

Harry Kane scored twice to equal England's all-time World Cup scoring record, while Jude Bellingham netted the decisive goal as England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener on Wednesday. Kane's brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, matching the record set by Gary Lineker during the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. Bellingham's goal early in the second half put England ahead for good, while Marcus Rashford added another late strike to secure the victory. The match was a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal, won by Croatia, and saw both teams exchange goals throughout the first half. Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Croatian midfielder Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke in the box. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic initially saved the penalty, but a VAR review showed he had moved off his line before the kick was taken, leading to a retake. Kane converted the second attempt with ease. Croatia equalised in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose shot into the left corner beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford despite getting a hand to the ball. Kane restored England's lead with a powerful header from a Declan Rice corner, but Croatia struck again on the final play of the first half when Petar Musa converted from close range after connecting with a header from Ivan Perisic. England regained control shortly after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Bellingham collected a long pass from Elliot Anderson, broke clear of the defence and finished confidently past Livakovic, with the ball going in off the far post. The Real Madrid midfielder nearly added another goal moments later, but Livakovic made several key saves during a sustained spell of English pressure. Rashford sealed the win in the 85th minute after being set up by Bukayo Saka. The forward entered the penalty area, feinted a shot with his left foot and calmly scored with his right for his 19th international goal. England coach Thomas Tuchel praised his players' response after Croatia's late first-half equaliser. "I encouraged them to go for it, to play with more courage, to be brave and be ourselves," Tuchel said. "I loved their reaction." Kane said Tuchel's halftime message urged the players to play without fear after conceding just before the break. The Bayern Munich striker now has 81 international goals for England. For Croatia, the match marked another milestone for veteran captain Luka Modric, who became the first Croatian player to appear in five World Cups. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic acknowledged England's quality, saying his side created some good chances but struggled defensively against a strong opponent. England will face Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, while Croatia take on Panama in Toronto on the same day.

Football fever has swept through the capital, with a giant Argentina jersey drawing crowds in Mirpur's Ibrahimpur area during the FIFA World Cup. Measuring 40 feet by 30 feet, the blue-and-white jersey was erected by local Argentina supporters and has quickly become a popular attraction for football fans.  

Cristiano Ronaldo walks into what is widely believed to be the final FIFA World Cup of his legendary career, and once again, the football world stops to watch. At 41, the Portuguese icon is preparing for what many are calling his “Last Dance”, as Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Group K at Houston’s NRG Stadium, kicks off at 11:00 PM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST). Despite age no longer being on his side, Ronaldo remains the central figure of Portugal’s golden generation, a player whose legacy already includes over 965+ career goals, five Ballon d’Or awards, and international dominance across Europe and Nations League triumphs. Yet one trophy still defines the missing chapter of his career: the FIFA World Cup. The final chase for football’s biggest prize Ronaldo’s World Cup journey began in 2006, where Portugal finished fourth. Since then, he has scored in five different World Cups, a record, but the knockout stage has often remained a barrier. In total, Ronaldo has scored 8 World Cup goals and provided 2 assists in 22 matches, while maintaining one of the longest international careers in football history. Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a decisive figure for Portugal and continues to feature among the top performers in the Saudi Pro League, where he finished as the third-highest goalscorer for Al Nassr (RSL) in the 2025/26 season. Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup with arguably their most balanced and complete squad in recent memory under coach Roberto Martínez, blending experience, form, and European dominance across positions. Built for glory? This time, however, Portugal arrive not just as contenders, but as one of the most balanced squads in the tournament. Under Spanish Coach Roberto Martínez, the team blends experience and youth across all departments. Vitinha, João Neves, Gonçalo Ramos and Nuno Mendes, all UEFA Champions League winners this season. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s most in-form player in the 2025/26 season. Bernardo Silva, former Manchester City is a consistent creative force. Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto, key attacking outlets offering pace and direct threat, and finally up front the captain and focal point: Cristiano Ronaldo The squad’s depth across midfield, defence and attack has placed Portugal among the favourites heading into the tournament. Portugal, ranked among the world’s top five, also enter the tournament as reigning UEFA Nations League champions, strengthening belief that this could finally be their golden generation’s breakthrough moment. Their group campaign includes DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, with the opening fixture against DR Congo expected to set the tone. Portugal are widely seen as favourites to top the group, but analysts warn of unpredictability from their opponents. DR Congo arrive with physical strength and counter-attacking threat, Colombia bring experience through James Rodríguez, while Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut under Fabio Cannavaro. Still, all attention remains fixed on one man, Ronaldo. Ronaldo himself has indicated this tournament could mark his sixth and final World Cup appearance, an unprecedented milestone shared only with Lionel Messi in modern football discussions. Even at 41, he remains decisive, a record international goalscorer with 143 goals for Portugal and the first player to score in five World Cups. But the World Cup trophy is the one honour missing from his otherwise complete legacy. The last dance begins For Portugal, this is more than a campaign. It is a carefully balanced attempt to turn generations of talent into global glory. For Ronaldo, it is something more personal, a final chance to complete his legacy in football. Whether 2026 becomes a fairytale ending or another heartbreak, one reality is certain. The world will be watching every step of Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi revealed that the tears he shed after scoring in his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J opener against Algeria were the result of personal difficulties rather than anything related to football. The 38-year-old forward became emotional after netting Argentina's first goal in Monday night's match. He later completed a historic hat-trick — his first in World Cup competition — while also drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Messi's emotional reaction sparked widespread speculation among fans, but he clarified after the match that he had recently been dealing with challenging circumstances away from the sport. Speaking to reporters, Messi said he had gone through several difficult days before the game and stressed that the situation was unrelated to football. Although he chose not to disclose further details, he thanked his teammates and members of the Argentine delegation for their support during that period. The veteran forward also expressed satisfaction with the stage of his career he is currently enjoying, describing it as a special reward after everything he has accomplished over the years. He said he was grateful to be part of the current Argentina squad and was enjoying every moment with the team. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's display after the reigning champions opened their title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria. Scaloni said Messi's performance was extraordinary and admitted he struggled to find words to describe the star forward's impact on the team. Source: NDTV

Austria recorded a World Cup victory for the first time in 36 years with a 3-1 win over debutants Jordan in a Group J match at soccer’s premier global tournament on Tuesday. A late own goal proved decisive, as Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab deflected a corner into his own net in the 76th minute to give Austria a 2-1 lead. Marko Arnautovic later added a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win. The match between a World Cup debutant and an Austrian side returning to the tournament after missing the previous six editions produced plenty of drama throughout. The decisive phase came in the second half, when Jordan equalised before Austria scored twice from corner situations, though only one goal stood after VAR intervention. Arnautovic initially thought he had put Austria ahead from a corner after a mistake by Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that ruled a handball by Stefan Posch in the build-up. Austria then struck again from another corner following the second-half hydration break, with Al Arab turning the ball into his own net to restore their lead. Romano Schmid had earlier put Austria ahead in the 20th minute, finishing a well-worked move with a precise right-footed strike into the top corner after a pass from Xaver Schlager. Jordan responded in the 50th minute through Ali Olwan, who ran into the box on a counterattack before beating goalkeeper Alexander Schlager with a right-footed finish, sparking celebrations among Jordanian supporters. Austria’s win marked their first World Cup victory since defeating the United States in the 1990 group stage. Jordan, meanwhile, failed to become the first team since Senegal in 2002 to win their World Cup debut match. They will next face Algeria in Santa Clara on Monday, while Austria will take on Argentina in the Dallas area the same day.