United News of Bangladesh

Ronald Araujo struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Barcelona edged Girona 2–1 in La Liga on Saturday, but head coach Hansi Flick’s red card late in the match cast a shadow over the victory ahead of next week’s El Clasico. The match appeared to be heading for a draw when Araujo, who came on in the 82nd minute, slid in to convert a cut-back from Frenkie de Jong in the third minute of added time. The defender ripped off his shirt in celebration as the home crowd erupted at the Olympic Stadium. Earlier, Pedri had given Barcelona the lead in the 13th minute with a fine low finish after combining with Lamine Yamal. Girona levelled in the 20th minute through Belgian midfielder Alex Witsel, who found the net with a spectacular bicycle kick following a corner. Messi breaks another record in international football Barcelona dominated possession, enjoying 68 percent of the ball and registering 27 shots, nine of them on target. Girona had 11 attempts, with four on goal. Despite creating several chances in the second half, the hosts were repeatedly denied by the Girona goalkeeper until Araujo’s late winner. The victory ended Barcelona’s run of two straight defeats in all competitions, including losses to PSG in the Champions League and Sevilla in La Liga before the international break. With the win, the defending champions moved one point clear at the top with 22 points from nine matches. Real Madrid, second with 21 points from a game in hand, can regain the lead if they beat Getafe on Sunday. Ronaldo breaks new record as Hungary hold Portugal in WC qualifier However, Barcelona’s celebrations were slightly dampened as head coach Flick received a second yellow card for dissent just before Araujo’s goal, ruling him out of the season’s first El Clásico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

FIFA announced Thursday that more than one million tickets for the 2026 World Cup have already been sold, marking a strong start to sales for the first-ever edition jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The highest demand came from fans in the host countries, followed by supporters from England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France, according to FIFA. Fans from 212 countries and territories have already purchased tickets, even though only 28 of the 48 teams have qualified so far. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the early enthusiasm, saying the massive response shows how the “biggest and most inclusive World Cup in history” has captured global imagination. Tickets for the final match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, were listed on FIFA’s resale platform at prices ranging from $9,538 to $57,500 per seat. FIFA has not yet released a detailed price list or match-by-match breakdown. The announcement followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested he might reconsider venues deemed “unsafe,” including sites near Boston. The first batch of buyers was selected through a lottery among 4.5 million applicants. FIFA said the next sales phase opens on October 27, offering both single-match and team-specific tickets. In total, there are about 7.1 million seats available across 104 matches in 16 venues. The cheapest tickets start at $60, while premium seats and dynamic pricing are driving costs much higher — with one resale ticket for the U.S. opening match listed at over $61,000. South Africa qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup FIFA plans two more sales phases before the final draw in December determines the full tournament schedule. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been named an official ambassador for the Los Angeles matches. A lifelong football fan, Doncic said he’s honored to help “bring people together through a sport that unites cultures worldwide.” Source: AP

South Africa sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga Province on Tuesday night. Goals from Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa secured the victory, sending South Africa back to football's biggest stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Coached by Belgian Hugo Broos, the team topped Group C with 18 points from 10 matches, finishing ahead of continental rivals Nigeria and surprise contender Benin. This marks South Africa's fourth World Cup appearance, following previous qualifications in 1998 and 2002, in addition to their automatic berth as hosts in 2010. South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie congratulated the team, saying their qualification had "filled a nation with joy." He lauded the players for showing "heart, discipline and determination," describing the achievement as "a powerful statement about what is possible when South Africans believe, unite and fight together." McKenzie also praised coach Broos, his staff and the South African Football Association (SAFA) for "delivering on the biggest of all expectations."  

Nearing the twilight of their legendary careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two GOATs of football, continue to rewrite history, keeping their fans enthralled around the world. Last night Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers. Messi didn’t take much time to appear on the headlines, breaking the record for most assists in international football. Messi had missed Argentina’s earlier match against Venezuela, instead featuring for Inter Miami in their Major League Soccer clash with Atlanta United. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner returned on Tuesday night against Puerto Rico, inspiring Argentina to a resounding 6–0 victory. The Argentine captain provided two brilliant assists, taking his international tally to 60 assists, the highest ever in men’s international football, surpassing his former Barcelona and PSG teammate Neymar’s record of 59. With this feat, Messi also edges closer to another milestone— 400 career assists across all competitions. Not only is Messi first in assists, he is also second in all time international goals (114), just behind Cristiano Ronaldo (143). In addition to leading the world in assists, Messi now stands second in all-time international goals (114), just behind Ronaldo’s 143. This rare combination of scoring and creating underlines what makes Messi a complete player—an embodiment of both brilliance and balance. Earlier on Tuesday, Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 40 goals. He even extended his own record by scoring again against Hungary. However, the Al Nassr forward ended the match in frustration, as Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time equaliser denied Portugal an early ticket to the World Cup. A draw against Ireland in November would be enough for Portugal to heave a sigh of relief, as they remain top of Group F with 10 points from four matches, followed by Hungary on five. Ireland climbed to third with four points after beating 10-man Armenia 1–0, who stay bottom with three. Meanwhile, Argentina have already booked their place topping the CONMEBOL standings, continuing their dominant run in South America’s qualifiers.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in suburban Boston, after suggesting that parts of the city had been “taken over” by unrest. Foxborough, Massachusetts, home to the NFL's New England Patriots and about 30 miles from Boston, is set to stage matches as the U.S. cohosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. Trump was asked about Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, a Democrat whom he called “intelligent” but "radical left.” “We could take them away,” Trump said of the World Cup games. “I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.” He suggested “they're taking over parts of Boston" without offering details, but added “we could get them back in about two seconds.” The Trump administration has already deployed National Guard troops to Washington and Memphis, and efforts to do so in Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have sparked legal fights. Wu's office did not react directly to Trump's threat, issuing a statement that read, “Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions.” Trump's comments came during his meeting with Argentina President Javier Milei and it wasn't immediately clear what he was referring to by parts of Boston having been seized. Earlier this month, however, there were multiple arrests in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent on Boston Common. Four police officers were injured. Trump has previously suggested he could declare cities “not safe” for the 104-game soccer tournament and alter a detailed hosting plan that FIFA confirmed in 2022. It includes games at NFL stadiums near New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. World Cup host sites aren't up to Trump. The 11 U.S. cities — plus three in Mexico and two in Canada — are contracted with FIFA, which would face significant logistical and legal issues to make changes in the eight months before the June 11 kickoff. “It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions,” the soccer body’s vice president Victor Montagliani said earlier this month at a sports business conference in London. Trump nonetheless said, “If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA who’s phenomenal -- and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location’ and they would do that.” The president meant FIFA head Gianni Infantino, a close ally. Trump said Infantino “wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.”  

Portugal were denied an early ticket to the World Cup after Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time goal earned Hungary a 2–2 draw in their Group F qualifier in Lisbon on Tuesday, despite another record-setting night for Cristiano Ronaldo. Attila Szalai gave Hungary the lead early on, but Ronaldo struck twice before halftime to put Portugal in front. However, Szoboszlai slid in at the far post in added time to snatch a dramatic point for the visitors. Ronaldo’s first goal made him the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 40 goals, one ahead of Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. The Portuguese captain now boasts 143 international goals in 225 appearances — both world records. Portugal dominated the opening stages, with Ronaldo missing narrowly in the fifth minute before Diogo Costa denied Roland Sallai. From the ensuing corner, Szalai headed home to give Hungary a surprise lead. Bangladesh’s Asia Cup dream almost over with 1-1 draw against Hong Kong Ronaldo equalised in the 22nd minute, converting Nélson Semedo’s low cross, and headed in again in first-half stoppage time from Nuno Mendes’ delivery to make it 2–1 at the break. After halftime, Portugal squandered several chances to seal victory. Semedo’s shot was kept out, while Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes were both denied by the woodwork and the goalkeeper. Substitute João Félix also went close with a header. Hungary continued to press late on, and Szoboszlai’s last-minute finish from Dániel Lukács’s cross ensured a share of the spoils. Portugal remain top of Group F with 10 points from four matches, followed by Hungary on five. Ireland climbed to third with four points after beating 10-man Armenia 1–0, who stay bottom with three. Messi scores twice, assists once as Inter Miami crush Atlanta United 4-0 In Group I, Italy secured at least second place with a 3–0 win over Israel, taking their tally to 15 points from six games — three behind leaders Norway, who have a perfect 18 points and a +26 goal difference compared to Italy’s +10. Gennaro Gattuso’s side must win big in their final match to overtake them.

Bangladesh’s hopes of overcoming the qualifying hurdle to play in the main phase of the Asia Cup are almost over. The men in red and green were held to a 1-1 draw by Hong Kong in the third-round return leg match at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. Having lost 4-3 in the first leg at home last week, Javier Cabrera’s men needed a win to stay alive in the qualification race but failed to deliver despite a determined second-half display. With the draw, Bangladesh remain at the bottom of Group C with two points from four matches. Hong Kong lead the table with eight points from as many games, while Singapore sit second with five points from three matches. India are third with two points from three outings. Matt Orr put the hosts ahead in the 36th minute, converting from the penalty spot after Bangladeshi defender Tariq brought down Fernando Pereira inside the box. Hong Kong could have doubled their lead before halftime, but a vital defensive clearance kept the visitors in the contest. Cabrera made tactical substitutions in the second half, bringing on captain Jamal Bhuiyan and Fahamidul Islam to add attacking intent. The effort paid off in the 83rd minute when Rakib Hossain struck the equalizer, finishing from close range after a headed assist from Fahamidul off a left-wing cross by Faisal Ahmed Fahim. Bangladesh lose 4-3 to Hong Kong as last-minute goal dashes Asian Cup hopes Earlier, Hong Kong were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when defender Oliver Gerbig received his second yellow card, giving Bangladesh a numerical advantage. Despite pressing hard in the closing stages, the men in red and green failed to find the winning goal, ending the match with just one point and seeing their qualification hopes fade away. The result leaves Bangladesh with only two points from four matches, effectively ending their dream of playing in the Asian Cup finals.

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski is dealing with a left hamstring injury after the international break, casting doubt on his availability for next week’s Spanish league clasico against Real Madrid. The club said Lewandowski’s return will depend on his recovery speed, though Spanish media report he is unlikely to be fit for the Oct. 26 match. Barcelona currently trails Real Madrid by two points after eight league rounds. Lewandowski recently scored Poland’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Lithuania in European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, playing the full match. This season, he has scored four goals in nine appearances for Barcelona and two goals for his national team. Barcelona also has Spain forward Ferran Torres sidelined with a hamstring issue.

Striker Ollie Watkins has returned to Aston Villa after an injury forced him out of England’s World Cup qualifying match against Latvia on Tuesday, while captain Harry Kane could make a possible return. Watkins scored in England’s 3-0 friendly victory over Wales on Thursday but was substituted at halftime following a collision with the goalpost. England confirmed in a statement that the Aston Villa forward had not recovered from the knock and had rejoined his club. Watkins becomes the second player to leave the squad after defender Jarell Quansah returned to Bayer Leverkusen as a precaution, despite not playing against Wales. With Watkins unavailable, coach Thomas Tuchel may consider recalling Kane, who missed the Wales game due to a previous injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich. England can secure World Cup qualification with a win in Latvia, which would give them a seven-point lead over second-place Albania in Group K with two matches remaining.

The Faroe Islands boosted their World Cup qualifying hopes with a stunning 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Sunday, keeping alive their dream of reaching the tournament for the first time. Ranked 136th in the world, the tiny North Atlantic nation with fewer than 55,000 people now sits third in Group L after winning four of its last five qualifiers. The victory narrowed the gap to just one point behind second-placed Czech Republic in the race for a playoff spot behind group leader Croatia. Substitute Martin Agnarsson became the hero for the hosts, scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute at Torsvollur Stadium in Torshavn. Earlier, Hanus Sorensen gave the Faroe Islands a 67th-minute lead before Adam Karabec equalised for the Czechs in the 78th minute. The historic win dealt a blow to the Czech Republic’s hopes of topping the group and set up a dramatic finale with one match remaining. Croatia, World Cup runner-up in 2018 and semifinalist in 2022, stayed three points clear after a 3-0 win over Gibraltar and holds a game in hand with a superior goal difference. Depay leads Netherlands to another big winIn Group G, the Netherlands strengthened their lead with a convincing 4-0 win against Finland in Amsterdam.Memphis Depay extended his national scoring record with his 54th goal, converting from the penalty spot. Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo also found the net as the Dutch moved to 16 points with two games left. Poland kept the pressure on in second place, three points behind, with a 2-0 victory over Lithuania thanks to Sebastian Szymanski’s goal directly from a corner and Robert Lewandowski’s strike. Messi scores twice, assists once as Inter Miami crush Atlanta United 4-0 Denmark, Scotland still level on pointsGroup C remains tight as Denmark and Scotland both picked up wins to stay tied on 10 points.Scotland beat Belarus 2-1 at Hampden Park, with goals from Che Adams and Scott McTominay, while Gleb Kuchko pulled one back late for the visitors. Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine form for Denmark, opening the scoring in a 3-1 win over Greece. The Napoli striker has now scored eight goals for club and country since joining the Italian side on loan from Manchester United. Austria’s winning streak endsAfter routing San Marino 10-0 earlier in the week, Group H leader Austria saw its perfect run halted by Romania.Virgil Ghita’s stoppage-time strike earned Romania a 1-0 win, closing the gap at the top to just two points and giving second-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina renewed hope in the qualification race.