United News of Bangladesh

The FIFA World Cup, the largest edition in the tournament’s history, officially begins today as 48 national teams start their quest for football’s most coveted trophy across the United States, Canada and Mexico. According to Associated Press reports, the opening day marks the start of a 39-day global football spectacle featuring 104 matches played across 16 stadiums in 16 cities, stretching from Mexico City to Vancouver and New York to Los Angeles. The tournament is being staged for the first time across three countries, with Mexico hosting the opening match, Canada joining the schedule on the following day, and the United States hosting its first fixture shortly after. FIFA has described the 2026 edition as a “new era” for the World Cup, expanding the format from 32 to 48 teams. The new structure allows more nations than ever before to participate, with teams divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stage. Opening-day matches are expected to draw global attention, with host nation Mexico taking the spotlight amid a festive ceremony in Mexico City. AP reports highlight that veteran players and emerging talents alike will feature in the opening fixtures, including teams returning after long absences and several World Cup debutants. Security has been tightened across all three host nations, with authorities deploying large-scale operations to manage crowds, fan zones and international visitors expected to arrive in record numbers. The final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the culmination of the biggest World Cup ever staged. FIFA officials say the expanded tournament is designed to bring the World Cup to a wider global audience, while boosting participation from emerging football nations. With the opening whistle today, the world’s most-watched sporting event begins a new chapter in football history.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged across 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several stadiums temporarily renamed by FIFA because their commercial naming-rights sponsors are not official tournament partners. The tournament, jointly hosted by the three North American nations, will feature matches at some of the continent’s most iconic sports venues.

A Somali referee selected for the upcoming World Cup who was denied entry into the United States has returned home to a warm reception, with crowds, officials and football supporters welcoming him at Mogadishu’s airport. Omar Artan, who had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list, arrived in the capital on Wednesday and was greeted by hundreds of people waving Somali flags. He told supporters he still hopes to participate in the next tournament and urged young Somalis to remain proud of their country. Artan is regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025. He was stopped at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to what US Customs and Border Protection described as “vetting concerns,” though no further details were provided. Following the incident, FIFA removed him from the tournament’s referee roster. According to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, Artan had been issued a US visa last week to travel for World Cup preparations in Miami, where officials from the host nations were due to meet referees. His arrival in Mogadishu turned into a public celebration. Supporters, government officials and members of the Somali football community gathered hours in advance at Aden Adde International Airport. On arrival, he was escorted by police to a VIP terminal where he met Somalia’s sports minister and football federation officials. “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” Artan said, addressing supporters. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.” The decision to deny entry to a FIFA-appointed official drew international attention and criticism, raising questions about US procedures ahead of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Somalia is among several countries affected by new US travel restrictions introduced under the Trump administration’s immigration policy. Artan also called on Somalis to stand by their national identity. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state,” he said. “That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.” Despite Somalia’s long-running security challenges and the presence of the al-Shabab extremist group, Artan’s story has been seen by many as a symbol of national pride and possibility. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also expressed support for Artan, saying on X that his achievement had already inspired a generation and that being excluded would not diminish what he had accomplished.

Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 on Tuesday in their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup. The Argentina captain, who is preparing for a record sixth World Cup appearance, came off the bench in the 70th minute and converted a penalty two minutes later after Lautaro Martínez was fouled inside the box. Messi, 38, had been recovering from muscle fatigue and a minor hamstring strain picked up during his last appearance for Inter Miami on May 24. After missing the start of the match, he made an immediate impact once introduced. The Argentina star, the national team’s all-time top scorer with 117 goals, struck a high left-footed penalty in the 72nd minute to seal the win. Argentina, the reigning world champions and three-time winners in 1978, 1986 and 2022, will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Group J also includes Austria and Jordan. The match was only the second meeting between Argentina and Iceland. Their previous encounter came at the 2018 World Cup, which ended 1-1, where Messi had missed a penalty.

A group of 20 emerging football talents from around the world are expected to attract global attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the tournament prepares to feature an expanded format and a record number of debutants. The World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will include 48 teams for the first time, with 891 of the 1,248 selected players set to make their World Cup debut. The expanded structure, which also introduces a round of 32, is expected to give young and lesser-known players a bigger platform to showcase their talent on the global stage. Among the standout prospects is Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, who has impressed in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig through strong goal contributions and is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young attackers. Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, 17, is the youngest player on the list and already a rising star in his country. The Tijuana midfielder has made senior international appearances and featured in major youth tournaments under coach Javier Aguirre, making him one of the key home hopes. Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, 20, has also drawn attention after a strong season with Freiburg, where he impressed in both domestic and European competitions with his versatility and attacking impact. For the United States, PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi is expected to carry attacking responsibilities after a productive season in the Netherlands. Argentina’s Nico Paz, now playing for Como in Italy, is another highly rated talent following a standout Serie A campaign under former Spain international Cesc Fabregas. Morocco features strongly with Gessime Yassine and Ayyoub Bouaddi among the promising young midfield and wing options, while Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza are seen as key attacking prospects. Australia’s next generation is represented by Lucas Herrington and Alessandro Circati, both defenders already gaining senior experience at a young age. Croatia’s Luka Vušković, currently on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham Hotspur, is also among the defensive prospects to watch. Other notable names include Turkey’s Can Uzun, Mexico’s Armando González and Brian Gutiérrez, Colombia’s Luis Suárez (Sporting), Iraq’s Ali Jasim, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Kerim Alajbegović, and Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Touré. Analysts say many of these players are already featuring in top European leagues or major youth competitions, while others are breaking through at international level. The expanded World Cup format is expected to accelerate their rise and provide a major stage for breakthrough performances. Source: BBC

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre is going beyond tactical training as the team prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup, using motivational and psychological strategies to inspire his squad for a strong run on home soil. As part of his preparations, Aguirre has brought in former members of Mexico’s 1986 World Cup squad as well as legendary boxer Julio César Chávez to speak with the players at the team’s training base at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento. “The idols change, the uniforms evolve, but the pride of representing Mexico remains intact,” said Mexican Football Federation commissioner Mikel Arriola. He added that while the 1986 generation created history, the upcoming tournament offers a chance to match or surpass those achievements. Mexico’s best World Cup performances came as hosts in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarterfinals. Chávez, one of the country’s most celebrated athletes and a multiple-time world boxing champion, encouraged the team to aim higher. “I hear people talking about reaching the fifth match, but I believe you are going to go much, much further,” Chávez told the players, urging them to dream big regardless of their opponents’ strength or speed. Mexico has failed to reach beyond the round of 16 in seven consecutive World Cups from 1994 to 2022, making the so-called “fifth match” — the quarterfinals — a long-standing target for fans and media. The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, will feature an expanded 48-team format. With the addition of a round of 32, reaching the quarterfinals will require teams to play a sixth match instead of the traditional fifth. Aguirre, who was part of Mexico’s 1986 squad, has also highlighted the importance of home advantage and national identity in motivating players. “We went to the anthropology museum, and it is marvelous. For the players, it was an incredible experience — they have to know where we come from,” he said, adding that the visit had a strong emotional impact on the squad. The Mexican Football Federation has also brought back Spanish mental performance coach Imanol Ibarrondo, who previously worked with the national team at the 2018 World Cup and later assisted Ecuador during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Defender Mateo Chávez said the psychological sessions had been valuable for the team’s development. “We’ve had individual and group sessions, and we’ve gotten to know each other better,” the 22-year-old said, adding that the work has helped improve team cohesion. Mexico will begin its 2026 World Cup campaign on Thursday against South Africa at the Mexico City stadium.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the upcoming FIFA World Cup at a nominal cost after securing the broadcasting rights for Tk47.25 crore, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury said on Tuesday. BTV would not have to bear the cost from its own funds as the expenditure has largely been recovered through the sale of rights and advertising opportunities to various organizations, he said while speaking at a press conference on World Cup broadcasting rights at the Secretariat. Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman were also present at the event. Yasser Khan said BTV had spent nearly Tk 100 crore to broadcast the 2022 FIFA World Cup, raising questions among the public regarding the transparency of the agreement. When the current government assumed office, a company that had acquired the rights from FIFA initially demanded nearly Tk 200 crore for the broadcasting rights in Bangladesh, he said. Calling the proposal unreasonable, the minister said the government decided not to proceed with the deal and instead initiated direct negotiations with FIFA. As part of the process, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting involved the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and its president Tabith Awal in discussions. “After a series of marathon meetings, complex negotiations and extensive bargaining, we were able to reach an agreement,” he said. The minister described the achievement as a victory for transparency and accountability, adding that millions of football fans across the country would now be able to enjoy the World Cup live on the state-owned broadcaster. The final agreement for the broadcasting rights was concluded at a cost of US$3.85 million, equivalent to approximately Tk 47.25 crore at the current exchange rate. Including VAT and income tax, the total value of the agreement stands at around Tk 63.79 crore, he said. The minister also said several organizations have already purchased World Cup broadcasting rights from BTV, including television channels T Sports and Somoy TV, telecom operators Grameenphone, Banglalink and Robi, and OTT platform iScreen.

The wait is finally over for what FIFA is calling the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations  the United States, Canada and Mexico alongside a long list of questions and controversies that have followed the tournament. The competition begins in Mexico City on Thursday, but excitement is mixed with concern over rising ticket prices, political tensions and major logistical challenges of staging a tournament spread across three countries. The action will run until the final on July 19. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described the event as the “biggest, most inclusive” World Cup in history, predicting stadiums will welcome around seven million fans and billions more will watch globally. He even called FIFA the “official happiness provider for humanity,” though the scale of that claim remains to be tested. The tournament arrives in the United States — which will host most of the matches — at a time of inflation, conflict involving Iran, and controversial immigration policies under the Trump administration, all of which have added a political backdrop to the sporting spectacle. Politics and football closely linked US President Donald Trump has been a strong supporter of the World Cup being held in the country and has repeatedly met Infantino at the White House. Their close relationship has drawn attention, including FIFA awarding Trump its inaugural Peace Prize last year after he missed out on the Nobel Prize. A gold-plated Club World Cup trophy, designed by Tiffany, was also displayed in the Oval Office after the US hosted the tournament last year. Trump has reportedly been told he can keep it permanently as FIFA prepares a new version. Political tensions have also grown internationally. Months ago, a German football official even suggested a possible boycott of the tournament due to Trump’s policies, including threats involving Greenland. Since then, military strikes involving the US and Israel against Iran have further escalated tensions in the Middle East. Iran’s participation has also come under scrutiny. The team shifted its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, citing visa difficulties shortly before the tournament. Players also arrived wearing pins honouring victims of a missile strike on an elementary school during the conflict. Ticket prices spark anger FIFA is facing strong criticism over ticket prices, which many fans say are far beyond reach. Initial prices ranged from $140 to $8,680, while some resale listings have surged dramatically — with final tickets reportedly reaching nearly $33,000. On FIFA’s own resale platform, prices have gone even higher, with some listings for final tickets reaching millions of dollars, though the organisation says it does not control resale pricing but earns commission from transactions. Additional costs such as parking fees and transport fares have also shocked fans, with some rail tickets in the US rising several times above normal rates. Despite FIFA’s claim of massive demand, public interest appears mixed. A recent survey found only about a quarter of Americans are even moderately excited about the tournament, while hotel bookings in many host cities have been lower than expected. A massive but debated format The expanded 48-team format has divided opinion, with critics arguing it dilutes quality and reduces early-stage competition, while supporters say it makes the tournament more global and inclusive. Football analyst Jonathan Wilson said the challenge is balancing inclusivity with maintaining the tournament’s competitive integrity, warning that much of the real drama may only begin from the knockout stages. Heat, travel and tough conditions Extreme heat is expected to be another major challenge. Several US host cities, including Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and Atlanta, could experience temperatures above 32°C, affecting players, fans and staff. FIFA has introduced measures such as hydration breaks and revised rules on water bottles to help manage the conditions. Stars, stories and big questions Despite the controversies, attention will ultimately turn to the pitch. Lionel Messi, now 38, may be playing his final World Cup, while 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is still chasing the only major trophy missing from his career. Brazil, a five-time champion, is hoping to end a two-decade title drought under coach Carlo Ancelotti. England has appointed Thomas Tuchel in its latest attempt to end 60 years of heartbreak, while the United States, led by Mauricio Pochettino, will aim for a historic run on home soil. US captain Tim Ream said the team’s belief is key: “If you go into a tournament thinking you have no chance, then what’s the point? Why not us?”

Japan captain Wataru Endo said Monday that the national team is aiming high at the upcoming World Cup, vowing to achieve something unprecedented in the country’s football history. “We will do our best with pride and passion to achieve something that we’ve never seen before in Japan’s soccer history,” said Endo, a Liverpool defensive midfielder. Endo and his teammates held an open training session lasting nearly an hour at GEODIS Park, home of Major League Soccer club Nashville SC, shortly after arriving in the city. Japan will begin its World Cup campaign on Sunday against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, in Group F. More than 5,000 fans attended the session, with supporters travelling from different parts of the United States as well as Japan to watch the team, popularly known as the Samurai Blue. The session ended with players interacting with fans and handing out small gifts. Takuro Kaya and his son Yuhi were among those in the crowd, having driven from North Carolina to see the team. Yuhi’s favourite player is Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion, who was ruled out of the squad due to a hamstring injury, though the family was still excited to see other stars such as Junya Ito. The father and son duo will also travel to the Dallas area to watch Japan’s matches, as they hope the team can go deep in the tournament. “We’re so excited and motivated to come here,” Kaya said. Japan are appearing at their eighth consecutive World Cup and are aiming to reach the knockout stage for the third straight time. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they produced major upsets by defeating Germany and Spain before being knocked out on penalties by Croatia in the round of 16. The team experienced hot and humid conditions in Nashville following heavy thunderstorms before training. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki said the weather would not be a major concern. “We practised in Mexico, and it was really hot,” Suzuki said. “So I think of course here in the US is also hot, but now we are getting ready for that.”

Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, FIFA confirmed on Monday. The decision came after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) refused entry to a Somali national who arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday. While CBP did not identify the individual, Artan is the only referee from Somalia appointed for the tournament. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would be unable to participate in training and officiating duties at the World Cup and released a statement from the referee. “Despite the circumstances, I remain positive and focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” Artan said. He thanked FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their support and wished his fellow officials success in the tournament. In a separate statement, FIFA said it had no role in immigration decisions and had been informed by authorities that Artan’s status would not be changed. “As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into the country,” the governing body said. Explaining the decision, CBP said the traveler underwent additional screening upon arrival, which is part of routine inspection procedures when officers need to verify information or assess admissibility. “Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” the agency said. CBP noted that all travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches and sports officials, are subject to inspection and security vetting. The agency added that admissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis using available law enforcement, immigration and national security information, and that CBP officers have the authority to question travelers and determine their eligibility for entry under U.S. law.