United News of Bangladesh

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a month away, authorities in Mexico are working around the clock to complete a $500 million renovation of Benito Juárez International Airport, the country’s busiest airport. Passengers arriving at the airport are currently navigating through a large construction zone, with drilling, exposed pipes and unfinished floors. At the same time, banners and giant decorations promoting the World Cup are displayed throughout the terminals. Airport authorities told The Associated Press that more than 3,000 workers are putting in up to 20 hours a day to finish one of the biggest renovation projects in the airport’s history. Engineer Luis Ibarra, 28, said he does not mind the ongoing work, noting that the airport has long struggled with flooding, leaking roofs and severe overcrowding. Adm. Juan José Padilla, the airport’s general director, said the first phase of the project is now more than 90% complete. He said the work has been more difficult than expected because parts of the airport are over 50 years old and some original blueprints are missing. “We are facing years of neglect,” Padilla said, referring to decades of underinvestment at the airport, which serves around 120,000 passengers every day. The modernization project began in May 2025 and is being financed entirely by the airport, which has been operated by the Mexican Navy since 2023. Project coordinator Capt. Arturo Flores said the upgrade includes new terminal exteriors, improved restrooms, renovated baggage claim areas and replacement of nearly 100,000 square meters of flooring and lighting. The redesign has also created an additional 30,000 square meters of waiting space for passengers. The second phase of the project is scheduled to start in August, after the World Cup, and continue through December. Security is also being upgraded. The number of surveillance cameras will increase from 2,200 to more than 4,000, with artificial intelligence used to identify suspicious vehicles, luggage and individuals. Padilla said an anti-drone system will also be installed soon. Earlier this month, Mexico’s foreign ministry announced an agreement with the US Department of Transportation to enforce a 2015 bilateral aviation agreement. Under the deal, Mexico will increase the number of landing and takeoff slots available to airlines. The number of slots had been reduced from 61 to 43 per hour during the previous administration and was later raised to 44. Padilla said the number of slots for both domestic and international airlines will soon rise to 46 per hour. The airport overhaul is one of the major infrastructure projects of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The initiative follows a controversial effort by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to shift traffic from Mexico City to a newly built military-operated airport, a plan that failed to attract significant airline and passenger interest.

Brazil has included star forward Neymar in their World Cup squad, a decision that surprised many analysts who had doubted his readiness due to lingering fitness issues. The 34-year-old striker, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, is set to feature in his fourth World Cup. However, he has struggled to regain peak form since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023. This year, he has made eight appearances for Santos FC, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in Neymar’s inclusion, saying the forward has shown improvement and could play a key role in the tournament. “He has improved his fitness, he will be an important player in this World Cup,” Ancelotti told reporters, adding that experience was a key factor behind several selections. The coach also said Neymar still has time to further build his fitness ahead of Brazil’s opening match, highlighting his experience and influence within the squad. Shortly before the squad announcement, Neymar updated his social media profile to include Brazil alongside his club affiliation, signaling his readiness for international duty. Brazil’s 26-man squad also features key attacking players such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team in May 2025, recently extended his contract through the 2030 World Cup. However, he faces challenges due to injuries to several players, including forwards Rodrygo and Estevao, who were left out of the squad. Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C. Brazil Squad: Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio) Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg) Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo) Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).  

Neymar says he feels fully fit and is confident he has done enough to earn a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer said he had to deal with a lot of “nonsense” criticism while recovering from serious injuries. The Santos FC forward has not played for Brazil since 2023 after suffering injuries and undergoing knee surgery that kept him out of action for a year. Ancelotti, who is expected to announce his World Cup squad on Monday, has said Neymar must be fully fit and performing well to be considered for selection. “Physically, I feel great. I’ve improved with every match,” Neymar told reporters after Santos’ 3-0 loss to Coritiba Foot Ball Club on Sunday. “I gave everything I could. It wasn’t easy,” he said. Neymar said he worked hard in silence while facing criticism over his fitness and lifestyle. “People said many unfair things. I stayed at home, worked hard and suffered because of those comments. But everything has worked out,” he said. “I’ve reached the point I wanted to reach, and I’m happy with what I’ve done so far.” The 34-year-old said he trusts Ancelotti to choose the best 26 players for the tournament. During Sunday’s match, Neymar became visibly upset after he was mistakenly substituted, an incident that came just one day before the squad announcement. Brazil will be aiming to win a record sixth World Cup title. They are drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in the tournament, which will be held in North America from June 11 to July 19. Source: The Straits Times

Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the first-ever half-time show at the FIFA World Cup Final, organizers announced. The final of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to take place on July 19 in New Jersey. While opening and pre-match performances are common at major sporting events, this will be the first time a Super Bowl-style half-time show is held during a World Cup final. Shakira is set to release the official World Cup song, Dai Dai, featuring Burna Boy. She previously recorded Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Madonna, widely known as the “Queen of Pop,” is preparing to release her 15th studio album, Confessions II, on July 3. She recently appeared with Sabrina Carpenter at the Coachella, performing Vogue and Like a Prayer. BTS, the best-selling music act in South Korean history, has sold more than 45 million albums. The group is returning to music after completing mandatory military service and is currently on a global tour. In 2021, BTS and Coldplay scored a hit with My Universe. Gianni Infantino said the show would be a historic moment for the World Cup and fit for the world’s biggest sporting event. The half-time show is being curated by Chris Martin and will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to collect $100 million to support children around the world. Source: BBC

Seattle will create a floating fan zone and soccer field on its waterfront during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, combining the city’s maritime heritage with efforts to grow long-term interest in soccer. Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Reign FC and their partners announced the Seattle Soccer Celebration from a barge near Waterfront Park’s Pier 62 on Elliott Bay. The venue will operate from June 11 to July 6 and will host youth soccer events, public watch parties on a giant video screen, cultural programs, private events and other activities. Fans can register for ticket information through the event website. Hugh Weber, president of business operations for the two clubs, said the waterfront location will showcase Seattle’s skyline and provide visitors with a memorable introduction to the city. The floating field will serve as the symbolic 52nd mini-pitch built in Washington state through the RAVE Foundation initiative, which aims to expand access to soccer ahead of the World Cup. Other partners in the project include Friends of Waterfront Park and presenting sponsor Lenovo. Waterfront Park will also be one of Seattle’s free official FIFA fan zones during the tournament. Organizers hope the event will have a lasting impact similar to the 1994 World Cup in the United States, which significantly increased the sport’s popularity nationwide. Weber said the goal is to attract people who may not have previously followed soccer and turn them into long-term supporters after the tournament ends.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth and likely final FIFA World Cup, aiming to show that his move to Saudi Arabia has not affected his ability to perform at the highest level. The tournament will be Ronaldo’s first World Cup since leaving European football in late 2022 to join Al Nassr. The transfer surprised many in the football world and raised questions about whether playing in a less competitive league would affect his form. But Ronaldo, who turned 41 in February, has rejected suggestions that his performance has declined. He has continued scoring regularly for both Al Nassr and the Portugal national football team. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said Ronaldo remains highly motivated and continues to prove his value. “He keeps performing and he keeps showing his value and he keeps showing that he is important for the national team,” Martínez said. “To have that hunger when you’ve won everything in the game is quite remarkable.” Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to become the first players to appear in six World Cups. Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances for a men’s national team with 226 matches and is also the top scorer in international football with 143 goals. He is the only male player to score in five different World Cups. Martínez said Ronaldo is judged on his current performances, not his past achievements. Ronaldo joined Al Nassr midway through the 2022-23 season after leaving Manchester United. He reportedly accepted a contract worth $200 million a year and said he wanted to help change perceptions of Saudi football. The move drew criticism, with some fans and analysts saying he had effectively stepped away from elite competition. Ronaldo has consistently defended the Saudi Pro League, claiming it is stronger than both the French and Portuguese leagues. “The numbers don’t lie,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Piers Morgan. “For me it is easier to score in Spain than score in Saudi.” His move has not affected his form with Portugal. Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in his last 30 international matches. He failed to score in five matches at the 2024 European Championship, where Portugal reached the quarterfinals. In 2025, Ronaldo helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, scoring one of his eight goals in the tournament in the final against Spain national football team. Despite turning 41, Ronaldo has maintained excellent fitness. After recovering quickly from a hamstring injury suffered in February, he scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal on May 7 in his 105th league appearance for Al Nassr. The club is chasing its first Saudi league title since 2019. Portugal and Al Nassr teammate João Félix said Ronaldo’s dedication continues to inspire younger players. Ronaldo scored 14 goals in 16 matches in his first season in Saudi Arabia. In his first full campaign, he netted 35 goals in 31 games to set a new league scoring record. He also led Al Nassr to the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, scoring twice in the final. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 25 goals in 30 matches. This season, he has scored 26 goals in 29 appearances and is five goals behind Ivan Toney of Al Ahli in the race for the league’s top scorer award. Ronaldo has said this will definitely be his final attempt to win the World Cup, although he has not indicated when he plans to retire. Martínez said predicting Ronaldo’s future is impossible. “I’ve learned very quickly not to predict the future with Cristiano,” he said. “He doesn’t make plans.”

Lionel Messi has said Neymar remains among football’s elite and expressed hope that the Brazil forward will recover in time for next month’s FIFA World Cup. Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has been sidelined from international duty since October 2023 after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. His injury troubles have persisted since returning to his boyhood club Santos, restricting him to 12 appearances across all competitions this year, following 28 matches in 2025. What to know about the 2026 Champions League final “We want the best players to be there [at the World Cup], and Neymar, regardless of his form, will always be one of them,” Messi said on the Lo Del Pollo show. “It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he represents for Brazil and for football. I hope he can be there, though I can’t be objective - for me, he always has to be there.” Messi and Neymar were teammates at FC Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 and later reunited at Paris Saint-Germain between 2021 and 2023. Messi acknowledged that their close friendship affects his neutrality. “I can’t be objective. Neymar is a friend. Obviously, I would love for him to be at the World Cup and for good things to happen to him because he deserves it as a person. I hope he can make it,” he added. Messi also praised Neymar’s personality, saying: “He has a very special charisma. He doesn’t pretend - he lives his life according to how he feels, without worrying about the consequences. He’s happy and very natural.” The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner noted that Argentina will face a tough challenge defending its 2022 World Cup title, identifying Spain, France and Brazil as leading contenders. “We know the World Cup is always very difficult because of the quality of the teams involved,” the 38-year-old said. “We have to remain hopeful, as Argentines always are in official competitions like the Copa America or the World Cup, but we must also recognise that there are other teams ahead of us who are currently in better form,” he added.

The glittering FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. The trophy, accompanied by Brazilian 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and FIFA ambassador Gilberto da Silva, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:00 am. Tabith Mohammed Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), received the trophy at the airport. It was then transported to Hotel Radisson Blu, where it will be displayed in the afternoon, allowing selected fans and invited guests to view the iconic trophy. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour was jointly launched by FIFA and its beverage partner Coca-Cola on January 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero unveiling the trophy. The tour will end on June 11 at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, after visiting 30 FIFA member associations across 75 stops over more than 150 days, giving fans worldwide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see football’s most coveted prize. FIFA reportedly weighing plan for 64-nation World Cup in 2030 The trophy has previously visited Bangladesh during the Russia and Qatar World Cups.

The jersey that reigning World Cup champions Argentina will wear to defend their title in 2026 has surfaced online, featuring a modern, dynamic twist on the nation’s iconic design. The Adidas-designed home shirt is set for release in late 2025. The leak, courtesy of kit specialists Opaleak and OriolWarero, confirms that the kit will feature the traditional Albiceleste (the White and Sky Blue) look, enhanced by a contemporary aesthetic. The Adidas-designed home shirt maintains the classic white and sky blue vertical stripes but introduces an eye-catching gradient effect on the blue sections. Each blue stripe incorporates a two-tone fade, subtly transitioning from a lighter shade of sky blue to a darker one. This gradient shading creates a dynamic effect that refreshes the team’s historic pattern, a design element last seen on Argentina’s home kits in 2014 and 2018.

Images of the home kits for two of the favorites at the 2026 World Cup—reigning European champions Spain and a resurgent England—have been leaked online, giving fans a first look at what their teams could be wearing in North America next summer. Spain Opaleak has leaked images of Spain’s home kit, which show an adidas design that blends tradition with a bold new twist. The base is a deep red body paired with dark navy sleeves, while the three adidas shoulder stripes run in a red-yellow-red sequence, a subtle nod to the Spanish flag. Fine yellow pinstripes with dotted detailing run vertically down the jersey, adding texture and depth.