United News of Bangladesh

Members of Iran’s national football team have received approval for U.S. visas, allowing them to travel from their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States for their opening World Cup matches near Los Angeles later this month, according to U.S. officials. Iran’s participation in the tournament has faced challenges due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Visa-processing difficulties had earlier prompted the team to relocate its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, just across the U.S.-Mexico border. One U.S. official said all Iranian players had been cleared for visas and were in the process of receiving them. Another official confirmed that visas had also been granted to coaches, trainers, and several support staff members. While officials could not confirm whether any visa applications had been denied, one source indicated that some individuals connected to the team may have been rejected after allegedly applying under false claims. The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss visa matters publicly. The team’s passports were expected to be returned soon, potentially as early as Friday or Saturday, enabling travel arrangements to proceed. Iran has been preparing for the World Cup in Antalya, Turkey, before moving to Tijuana. The team previously confirmed that Mexican visas had been issued through Mexico’s embassy in Ankara. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack praised embassy staff in Ankara for facilitating the visa process, stating that sports have the power to bring people together across national boundaries and expressing enthusiasm about welcoming athletes and supporters from around the world. Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21. The team will then travel to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. If both Iran and the United States finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in the tournament’s Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump questioned whether Iran should participate in the World Cup, citing security concerns. Iran’s national team responded by asserting that no country could prevent it from competing. The final Iranian squad was announced on Monday and includes 17 players based in Iran, whose domestic clubs have been inactive since February due to the war. Notably, star striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad after reportedly posting content on social media that displeased Iranian authorities. Although Iran’s sports minister had previously suggested participation might not be possible, the country’s football federation later confirmed that preparations for the World Cup would continue. The federation also maintained that visas should be issued to all players and staff members, including those who had completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Bangladesh scripted a new chapter in the country’s football history by securing a memorable 2-1 victory over San Marino in an international friendly, marking their first-ever win against a European side on European soil. Defender Topu Barman emerged as the hero of the historic triumph, scoring both goals for the visitors as Bangladesh defeated the European minnows in an entertaining contest. The match carried special significance as it was the first time Bangladesh played against a European national team in Europe.  The occasion generated huge excitement among football fans, with expectations running high ahead of the encounter. The historic win is expected to boost confidence within the Bangladesh camp and provide fresh momentum for the national team’s future international campaigns.

FIFA has canceled World Cup tickets that were mistakenly issued free of charge to around 60 fans because of a website error, the governing body confirmed on Thursday. According to FIFA, the tickets were “allocated at no charge (0 USD)” due to a payment issue that occurred during the checkout process. The organization apologized for the mistake and any inconvenience caused. 2022 semifinalist Morocco has more to prove this year’s World Cup FIFA said the affected tickets remain reserved for the fans concerned, who have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount to secure their seats. The incident marks the latest problem in FIFA’s World Cup ticketing system, which is already under investigation by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey over possible consumer protection law violations. The incorrectly priced tickets were sold through FIFA’s official World Cup website on May 21, more than three months after FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that all 104 matches of the tournament had sold out. Despite that claim, FIFA continues to sell tickets for matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins next Thursday in Mexico City. FIFA also operates its own resale platform,  charging a 15% commission to both buyers and sellers. Ticket prices for the tournament are significantly higher than in previous editions, despite an earlier pledge by the United States, Canada and Mexico bid team to offer hundreds of thousands of group-stage tickets at $21 each.

Morocco head into this year’s World Cup with renewed pressure to prove themselves, as off-field controversies and legal disputes overshadow the momentum built from their historic 2022 semifinal run. The Atlas Lions stunned the football world in Qatar by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, defeating heavyweights Spain and Portugal along the way. Their achievement also boosted support across Africa and strengthened Morocco’s bid to establish itself as a football powerhouse, including its role as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup. However, their recent buildup has been marked by controversy following the Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Morocco. A chaotic final against Senegal in January ended in confusion and later legal disputes. Senegal initially lifted the trophy after a 1-0 extra-time win, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later ruled in March that Senegal should forfeit the match due to players walking off in protest. The decision overturned the result in Morocco’s favour, but Senegal has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, leaving the outcome unresolved and celebrations muted. The turmoil has shifted focus away from football, with Morocco now looking to reset ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign. Morocco will face five-time champions Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, Scotland in Boston on June 19, and Haiti in Atlanta on June 24 in their Group C fixtures. Former coach Walid Regragui, who guided Morocco to their 2022 World Cup breakthrough shortly after taking charge, stepped down following the Africa Cup. Despite earlier success, he faced criticism over the team’s performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He has been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi, who previously led Morocco’s under-20 side to the Youth World Cup title in 2025. Under his leadership, Morocco drew with Ecuador and defeated Paraguay in March warm-up matches. Injuries have also posed concerns, with captain Achraf Hakimi struggling with a thigh problem that puts his World Cup participation in doubt. Hakimi had also returned late from injury during the Africa Cup but played a key role in the knockout stages. Attention has also centred on Brahim Díaz, who starred at the Africa Cup with five goals. The Real Madrid forward was pivotal in Morocco’s run to the final but came under scrutiny after missing a decisive penalty in the controversial final against Senegal. He has since seen limited involvement under the new coach. With both expectation and uncertainty surrounding the squad, Morocco enter the tournament determined to put off-field distractions behind them and replicate their historic World Cup success.

Neymar will miss Brazil's World Cup warmup match against Egypt to continue treatment for a leg muscle injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Thursday. The 34-year-old was last Thursday diagnosed with a grade two calf strain requiring an estimated recovery period of two to three weeks. "Neymar will not travel with the delegation to Cleveland," the CBF said in a statement ahead of Saturday's friendly at Huntington Bank Field. "He will remain in New Jersey, undergoing physical therapy and intensifying his physical recovery program." Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international matches last played for Brazil in October 2023, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker has since struggled with injuries, managing only 17 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions after returning to boyhood club Santos in January 2025. Brazil will begin its World Cup Group C campaign against Morocco in New Jersey before meeting Haiti in Philadelphia and Scotland in Miami. The tournament will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. 

As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup gathers pace, football fever is already gripping a narrow alley in Dhaka’s Tikatuli area. What might appear to be an ordinary lane in KM Das Lane has become a vibrant gathering place for local youths united by their love for the game.

For 18-year-old Brazilian João Victor Gonçalves, football has opened doors he never imagined possible. Growing up in one of Rio de Janeiro’s poorest and most violence-hit favelas, Gonçalves never expected the sport he loves would one day take him abroad to represent Brazil in an international tournament. Last month, he and nine other boys travelled to Mexico to compete in the Street Child World Cup, a tournament featuring teams from 30 countries made up of children and teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds. The event was held ahead of this year's FIFA World Cup. "I never imagined I would represent my country in another nation doing what I love most, playing football," Gonçalves said. The experience became even more memorable as Brazil remained unbeaten and won the tournament. Like many young Brazilians, Gonçalves and his teammates grew up playing football on the streets and dreaming of becoming professional players like the stars of Brazil’s national team. They say the Street Child United Brazil project has already transformed their lives. Based in Rio's Penha favela complex, the programme offers young people a safe space away from the hardships and violence that often define daily life in the community. It also helps build confidence, friendships and hope for the future. The initiative was launched in 2014 when Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup. Today, around 100 children and teenagers take part in training sessions held four days a week throughout the year. The programme is open to boys and girls aged six and above. For 17-year-old participant Ryan Mercedes, football represents more than just a game. "It means love, passion and making dreams come true," he said. "When we step onto the field, it's our time to enjoy ourselves and be happy." However, life in the favela can sometimes disrupt that escape. Participant Rafael Gomes recalled a training session that was interrupted by a police operation. "We were training when gunfire suddenly broke out. We had to run and take cover," he said. Violence remains a major challenge in the area. More than 120 people were killed last year during police operations in Penha and the neighbouring Alemão favela complex targeting members of the criminal group Red Command. The drug-trafficking gang controls parts of the community and can attract vulnerable young people seeking quick money. Project coordinator Drica Santos said the programme aims to provide a positive alternative. "If this project didn't exist, many lives could have been lost," Santos said. "We may not be able to help everyone, but every child we keep away from drug trafficking is a victory." Community leader Carlos Cassiano da Silva said parents value the programme because it keeps their children engaged in constructive activities and away from trouble. He added that the initiative also helps change negative perceptions about Penha. "Many people only hear bad things about Penha. They don't see the positive side of our community and the good things happening here," he said. With the FIFA World Cup approaching, Gonçalves hopes Brazil's national team can follow the example set by his squad in Mexico. "We've already done our part," he said. "Now it's the turn of Brazil's national team."

Injury concerns surrounding some of football’s biggest stars, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, had raised doubts ahead of the FIFA World Cup, but all three have been named in their national squads for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. While several leading players have recovered in time to make the competition, others have been ruled out due to injury. France striker Hugo Ekitike will miss the World Cup after suffering an Achilles injury in April that is expected to keep him sidelined for more than six months. Brazil will be without Rodrygo and Éder Militão, while Germany forward Serge Gnabry has also been ruled out after sustaining an adductor injury in training. Messi sparked concern last month when he left the field injured while playing for Inter Miami CF. Although he has been included in Argentina’s squad as the defending champions seek to retain their title, it remains unclear whether he has fully recovered from what was described as muscle fatigue. Spain’s teenage sensation Yamal also faced a fitness scare after missing the closing weeks of the season with a hamstring injury. "I remember the play in which I got injured," he said. "I was praying inside for it not to be serious, for it to be a cramp or something like that, because I knew the World Cup was very close." The growing number of injuries has renewed concerns about the demands placed on players amid an increasingly crowded football calendar. The expanded World Cup follows the enlarged Club World Cup and recent changes to the UEFA Champions League format. Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal FC, recently described the workload facing players as “an accident waiting to happen.” Among the notable absentees are Argentina's Joaquín Panichelli, England defender Ben White, Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, Spain's Fermín López, Scotland's Billy Gilmour and several United States internationals, including Cameron Carter-Vickers, Patrick Agyemang and Johnny Cardoso. Some players remain fitness concerns despite making their squads. Argentina defender Cristian Romero is recovering from a knee injury, while Canada captain Alphonso Davies is racing to recover from a hamstring problem ahead of his team's opening match. Croatia veteran Luka Modrić returned to action after suffering a cheekbone injury earlier this year, while defender Joško Gvardiol has recovered from a broken leg and is set to feature at the tournament. Meanwhile, United States midfielder Gio Reyna heads into the World Cup after limited playing time at club level. US coach Mauricio Pochettino backed the midfielder's inclusion, saying: "He can help because he's a different player, different talent, and I think in all the roster you need to have a player like him."

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed confidence that teenage star Lamine Yamal will be available for the team's opening match of the FIFA World Cup despite ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury. Speaking on Wednesday, De la Fuente confirmed that Yamal will miss Spain’s warm-up match against Iraq in A Coruña on Thursday. However, he said the Barcelona forward is on track to be fit for Spain’s Group H opener against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15. “If nothing changes, he could be ready to play on June 15,” De la Fuente said, adding that the coaching staff will assess whether Yamal is ready for game time or should continue building fitness ahead of the second group match. The 18-year-old suffered a left hamstring injury while taking a penalty for Barcelona in a Spanish league match on April 22. Earlier this week, Yamal admitted he feared the injury could rule him out of the World Cup and said he had hoped for a timely recovery. De la Fuente also revealed that Nico Williams and Víctor Muñoz, who are recovering from injuries, will not feature in Thursday’s friendly. Players involved in the recent UEFA Champions League final will also be rested. Spain’s final pre-World Cup friendly is scheduled against Peru in Mexico on Monday. After facing Cape Verde, Spain will play Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta before taking on Uruguay in Guadalajara on June 26. Spain, which won its only World Cup title in 2010, has failed to progress beyond the round of 16 in subsequent editions. De la Fuente said the squad is eager to begin its campaign and perform strongly in the tournament.

Bangladesh will host the 2026 edition of the men’s SAFF Championship in Dhaka from November 4 to 17, South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) confirmed on Wednesday. The official announcement was made during a press conference at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, India. The regional marquee tournament was originally scheduled for September. However, scheduling conflicts arose due to India's prior commitments in the ASEAN Cup during that window. It will be the fourth time that Bangladesh is hosting the event.  Bangladesh hosted the SAFF men’s football event for the first time in 2003, and the event returned to Bangladesh for the second time in 2009. The last time Bangladesh hosted this event was in 2018.