United News of Bangladesh

Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek lit up the World Cup opening ceremony ahead of Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday. Shakira performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament's official song, with Burna Boy. The Colombian star had a hit with “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and now seeks to score again. A good World Cup song, Shakira earlier told The Associated Press, “needs to definitely have rhythm. It has to be rhythmic. It has to make people want to dance. And it has to be an anthem as well. It has to make people want to sing along in unison, sing out loud at the top of their lungs.” Shakira has performed at previous World Cups, too: 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, and 2014 in Brazil. In addition, she will perform at the first halftime show of a World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with Madonna and BTS. Mexico, the United States and Canada are co-hosting the 48-team tournament. A welcome for all Lila Downs welcomed fans and players in Spanish, English, and the indigenous languages Mixtec and Nahuatl. “People of the world, welcome to Mexico,” said Downs, who wore a white indigenous huipil with a lilac edge. “Mexico welcomes you with smiles from our heart, we are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride in ancestral lands where movement and ritual spirit endure.” Downs, who is a singer-songwriter, was born in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca. Her mother is Mixtec, and her father was American of Scottish descent. But her heart is green, white and red when it comes to the ball. “It’s a great honor for me to represent my beautiful and diverse country,” Downs said in an interview with The AP. “Of course I’m going to root for Mexico’s team, Viva Mexico!” Maná thrills fans Maná electrified the stadium with “Oye Mi Amor” surrounded by pre-Hispanic dancers who moved their head plumes to the rhythm of rock while tens of thousands of fans chanted. The band, founded in 1986, has sold more than 40 million records. Shortly before their performance, they announced that they will be touring in Latin America, including stops in Bogotá, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. From Iztapalapa to the World Cup The Mexican cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules performed “Por Ella” with Belinda, one of the most danceable songs of FIFA's official World Cup album.  

The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards. No World Cup match has had that many players ejected since a 2006 game between Portugal and the Netherlands, when four players received red cards — a World Cup record. The last World Cup in Qatar in 2022 had only four red cards in the entire tournament. On Thursday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for South Africa while César Montes was shown a red card for the tournament co-host. It’s the first time three players have been sent off in the opening match of a World Cup – and all three were straight red cards, meaning none of the ejected players were given two yellows. Mexico won the match 2-0. Sithole was red-carded after taking down Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez on the edge of the box at the start of the second half. Things got worse for South Africa when Zwane was sent off following a video review for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face in the 84th minute. Finally, in stoppage time, Montes saw red for bringing down Khuliso Mudau. The red cards mean the three players will be suspended for at least one more match. South Africa’s next match is against the Czech Republic and Mexico next faces South Korea in Guadalajara. The match between Portugal and the Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup in Germany stands out with its four red cards – two for each team. That game in Nuremberg also had 16 yellow cards.

Mexico made an immediate impression on the largest World Cup in history, giving the roaring home crowd at the iconic Azteca Stadium a huge jolt of excitement four years after a major disappointment. Mexico’s players understood the intense pressure and high expectations they were facing on Thursday in the opening match of the first 48-team World Cup tournament. But they embraced their role and got off to a winning start by beating South Africa 2-0 in a match that also produced three red cards. “I made an effort to explain to them what a World Cup and an opening match on home soil meant, but they are young and had to experience it for themselves,” said Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, who played for his team the last time Mexico hosted the tournament in 1986. “I can no longer talk about having played in a home World Cup, because they already know what it’s like.” Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals for Mexico, which is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Canada and the United States. The Mexicans rebounded from the massive disappointment of being eliminated after the group stage four years ago in Qatar. That followed seven straight trips to the round the 16 — an achievement that became more of a curse for failing to reach the quarterfinals. But there is hope this year. Mexico has reached the quarterfinals twice in its history, and both times it was the host country — in 1970 and 1986. Aguirre was on that team in 1986.  

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

Football fans worldwide are gearing up for the biggest edition of the FIFA World Cup as the tournament gets underway on June 11, 2026. As World Cup fever grips Bangladesh, a government doctor in Patuakhali announced discounted medical consultation services for Argentina supporters, drawing widespread attention on social media. Dr Saiful Islam Rony, a medical officer at Mirzaganj Upazila Health Complex, made the announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday evening. According to the post, Argentina supporters visiting his private chamber during the World Cup and on match days of the Argentine national team will receive treatment at half the usual consultation fee. Patients wearing the team's jersey will be treated free of charge. Dr Rony said the initiative was intended to celebrate the spirit of football and show support for his favourite team. “During the 2026 World Cup, Argentina supporters will receive treatment at half the regular consultation fee at my diagnostic centre chamber, while those wearing the team’s jersey will receive treatment free of charge,” he wrote. He also said patients would receive special discounts on necessary medical services. “We have taken this exceptional initiative to express our love for football and support for our beloved team,” Dr Rony said. He added that sports promote friendship, harmony and joy among people, and the special arrangement was made to allow Argentina fans to share in that spirit. “Let us all support our beloved team and take care of our own health as well,” he said. Earlier, Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, a pain management specialist and assistant professor of anesthesiology at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, captured public attention by offering a 50 percent discount on consultation fees to patients who visit his chamber wearing an Argentina jersey. Dr. Habibur, who currently charges Tk 600 per consultation at Greenview Hospital in the town’s Kazipara area, said Argentina supporters will pay only Tk 300 during the World Cup period.  

Iran’s national football team is set to leave its training camp in Turkey for Mexico on Saturday as preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup, although several federation officials were still awaiting U.S. visas ahead of matches scheduled in the United States. Iranian state television reported that a number of officials due to accompany the squad had not yet received permission to enter the U.S. Among them were Iranian Football Federation Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeini and Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, along with other support staff and administrators. It remained unclear whether federation president Mehdi Taj had received a visa. The issue comes amid heightened tensions following the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Visa-related complications earlier prompted Iran to relocate its World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico near the U.S. border. In a statement carried by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim and Mehr news agencies, the football federation accused the United States of “vindictive behavior” for denying visas to what it described as key managerial and administrative personnel. The federation argued that the decision undermined fair competition and said it would raise the matter with world football governing body FIFA. According to U.S. officials cited by The Associated Press, all Iranian players have been approved for visas. Visas were also reportedly issued to coaches, trainers and some support staff. However, one official suggested that certain applicants linked to the team had been denied visas after allegedly applying under false pretenses. The officials spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Iran has been training in Antalya ahead of the tournament and has already secured visas for Mexico through the Mexican Embassy in Ankara. Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, before facing Belgium on June 21 at the same venue. The team will then travel to Seattle to take on Egypt on June 26. A potential meeting between Iran and the United States could take place in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, if both teams finish second in their respective groups. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump questioned Iran’s participation in the tournament, citing concerns over security and appropriateness. Iran’s national team rejected the suggestion, insisting that no one could prevent it from competing. Iran announced its final World Cup squad on Monday, including 17 players from domestic clubs that have not played competitive matches since February due to the war. Star striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad after reportedly posting content on social media that angered Iranian authorities during the conflict. Although Iran’s sports minister said in March that participation in the World Cup might not be possible, the football federation later confirmed that preparations would continue and reiterated its demand that all players and staff, including those with past military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, be granted visas.

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.

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.

Iran will not be able to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States, the country’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said. Speaking on Iranian state television, Donyamali said the current situation makes participation impossible. It remains unclear what impact Iran’s absence would have on the tournament. Sources- Al Jazeera Iraq coach urges FIFA to postpone world cup playoff amid Iran war

FIFA has overhauled the 2026 World Cup draw format to ensure the four highest-ranked teams  like Spain, Argentina, France and England avoid each other until the semifinals, provided they top their groups. The draw, set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will use a tennis-style bracket system for the first time. FIFA confirmed Tuesday that the new format rewards top-ranked sides by placing them in separate pathways for the 48-team tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The change means defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and European champions Spain, inspired by Lamine Yamal, can only meet in the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, if both win their respective groups. “To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semifinals have been established,” FIFA said in a statement, aiming to reward teams whose consistent good results have raised their world ranking. Unlike previous World Cups where knockout paths were tied to group allocation, the new approach fixes the bracket in advance. This year’s draw will place 48 teams into four pots before assigning them to 12 groups of four. A full, updated match schedule, with stadiums and kickoff times, will be released on December 6. The ceremony will last about 90 minutes, with the draw itself taking an estimated 45 minutes. As hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States enter Pot 1, joined by the nine highest-ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Forty-two teams have already qualified, including Iran and Haiti, which FIFA expects to play as drawn despite political sensitivities with the U.S. The tournament will span 16 venues across the three host nations, including 11 NFL stadiums in the U.S. The remaining six entrants will be decided in March through European and intercontinental playoffs. Those teams will enter Pot 4, the lowest-ranked tier, meaning four-time champions Italy could prove a dangerous wildcard next week when the final placing draw is made. Host nations will be marked with different colored balls: Mexico as A1 (green ball), Canada as B1 (red ball), and USA as D1 (blue ball). The other nine Pot 1 teams will automatically be assigned to position 1 in their respective groups. Pot 2 features the next 12 teams: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Pot 3 includes Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Pot 4 contains Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand and the six playoff winners. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn together, except for Europe, which will have 16 representatives, forcing four groups to include two UEFA nations. To maintain bracket balance, Spain (rank 1) and Argentina (rank 2) will be placed in opposite pathways. The same applies to France (rank 3) and England (rank 4), ensuring the top sides stay separated until late. For the host schedules, the USA, placed in Group D, will open on June 12 in Inglewood against a Pot 3 team, then face a Pot 2 opponent in Seattle on June 19, and finish against a Pot 4 side back in Inglewood. Mexico, in Group A, will kick off the tournament on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca against a Pot 3 team, then play a Pot 2 team on June 18 in Guadalajara, before returning to Mexico City for their final group match against a Pot 4 opponent. Canada starts on June 12 in Toronto against a Pot 4 team, then moves to Vancouver for matches against Pot 3 and Pot 2 sides. World Cup draw pots: Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff A, B, C, D, FIFA Playoff Tournament 1 and 2 Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.