United News of Bangladesh

An emotional Ángel Di María made a heartfelt return to his childhood club Rosario Central on Monday, nearly two decades after leaving the Argentine side for Europe. Fighting back tears, the 37-year-old World Cup-winning forward was officially unveiled as Rosario Central’s newest signing, marking a homecoming he had long dreamed of but was delayed by threats from drug gangs operating in the crime-ridden city. “Coming home after so long is something very special. It was what I wanted—to play for Central again,” Di María said during his presentation. “Winning a title with Central is the one thing I’ve yet to achieve.” The winger, who began his football journey at the club at the age of four and debuted professionally in 2005, had left for Europe in 2007 after impressing in the U-17 World Cup. He went on to play for top European clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Benfica, amassing nearly 30 major trophies. Álvarez’s late goal gives Mexico 2-1 win over US for 10th Gold Cup title He played a key role in Argentina’s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar and also contributed to two Copa América wins. Most recently, Di María featured for Benfica in the Club World Cup, scoring three goals before the Portuguese side exited in the round of 16 against Chelsea. “Right now, I’m not thinking about retirement,” he said. “I’m thinking about playing, enjoying myself, and maintaining the level I’ve been performing at.” Rosario Central, located 300 km north of Buenos Aires, has struggled with violence and drug-related crime, factors that previously prevented Di María from returning. Still, the star forward says he is determined to end his career where it all began—with the hope of delivering a long-awaited title to his boyhood club. Source: Agency 

Bangladesh National Men’s Football team will play two international friendly matches with hosts Nepal on September 6 and 9 at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu during the FIFA window. Nepal Football Association today (Monday) confirmed BFF to play two international matches against Bangladesh in Kathmandu ahead of their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers matches. Bangladesh qualify for AFC Women's Asian Cup with all-win record beating Turkmenistan 7-0 Two Bangladesh origin celebrated footballers--English Premier League playing footballer Hamza Dewan Chowdhury and Canadian national team booter Shamit Shome are expected to play for Bangladesh in two matches. Bangladesh will play Group C matches AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Hong Kong on October 9 in Dhaka while they will play their away match, also with Hong Kong on October 14 in Hong Kong. Earlier, Bangladesh played a goalless draw with hosts India in their first Group C match in the Indian city of Shillong and lost to higher ranked Singapore by 1-2 in the 2nd group match at home on June 10 in Dhaka despite the presence of Bangladesh origin two celebrated footballers Hamza and Shamit. Bangladesh (ranked 183) played 28 matches with Nepal (ranked 175) where Bangladesh won 14 matches, lost nine matches and the five matches ended in draws. 

Bangladesh women’s footballers Ritu Porna Chakma and Monika Chakma reached Bhutan on Monday morning to join Paro FC for the upcoming Bhutan Women’s League season. They landed in Bhutan  just hours after helping Bangladesh secure a historic spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The team returned from Myanmar early Monday morning after beating Bahrain, Myanmar, and Turkmenistan in the qualifiers. Ritu and Monika had little rest after the team’s arrival in Dhaka at 1:45 AM. They attended a celebratory reception at Hatirjheel and briefly stopped at the BFF House before heading straight to the airport for their flight to Bhutan. Bangladesh qualify for AFC Women's Asian Cup with all-win record beating Turkmenistan 7-0 They are among ten Bangladeshi footballers set to feature in the Bhutan Women’s League this season. Other players including Rupna Chakma, Maria Manda, and Shamsunnahar will travel later this week to join their respective clubs, Transport United FC and Thimphu City FC. Five more Bangladeshi players will also play in this league in Bhutan.

Edson Álvarez scored a decisive goal in the 77th minute after a video review overturned an offside decision, as Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 on Sunday to claim a record-extending 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title. The US took an early lead in the fourth minute when Chris Richards headed in a Sebastian Berhalter free kick, marking his second goal of the tournament. But Mexico responded in the 27th minute through Raúl Jiménez, who netted his third goal of this year’s Gold Cup. Mexico was awarded a free kick after Diego Luna fouled Alexis Vega on the flank. Johan Vásquez flicked the restart across the goalmouth, allowing Álvarez to break past the US defense and redirect the ball from three yards inside goalkeeper Matt Freese’s far post. Though the play was initially flagged for offside, the goal was awarded following a VAR review. With the win, Mexico successfully defended its Gold Cup title from 2023 and improved its record to six victories and two losses in finals against the United States. In stoppage time, Patrick Agyemang had a chance to equalize for the US, but his close-range effort lacked power and was blocked by Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagón. “We’re disappointed obviously to not come away with a win,” said US captain Tim Ream. The match was played before a sellout crowd of 70,925 at NRG Stadium, with roughly 70% of spectators supporting Mexico. The Mexican side dominated possession with 60% and earned 12 corner kicks, while the Americans failed to register any. EU congratulates Bangladesh Women's Football team on Asian Cup qualification This final marked the last competitive fixture for both teams ahead of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada. The United States, seven-time Gold Cup champions but without a title since 2021, fielded a largely experimental squad. Many regular starters were unavailable due to vacation, injuries, or Club World Cup commitments. Coach Mauricio Pochettino used the tournament to assess players who could push for World Cup roster spots during upcoming friendlies. Among the standouts were Luna, Agyemang, and Freese. Richards opened the scoring when he headed Berhalter’s free kick from approximately 40 yards. The ball struck the crossbar, bounced down, and narrowly crossed the goal line. Jiménez equalized for Mexico with his 42nd international goal, placing him third on the all-time scoring list for his country. He latched onto a pass from Marcel Ruiz, burst past the defense, and finished with a low shot from about 10 yards, possibly deflecting off Ream. Jiménez celebrated by holding up a Mexico jersey with “DIOGO J” on the back, honoring his former Wolverhampton teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash Thursday in Spain. He sat by the corner flag, displayed the jersey, and mimicked playing a video game in tribute.

FIFA has significantly slashed standard ticket prices for the semifinal clash between Chelsea and Fluminense at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, reducing them from $473.90 to just $13.40. The decision comes as part of FIFA's dynamic pricing strategy for the ongoing 63-match tournament. In contrast, tickets for Wednesday's other semifinal in New Jersey, featuring European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, start at $199.60. EU congratulates Bangladesh Women's Football team on Asian Cup qualification Earlier, FIFA had also cut ticket prices to as low as $11.15 for quarterfinal matches — one held in Orlando, Florida, between Fluminense and Al Hilal, and another in Philadelphia featuring Chelsea and Palmeiras. The steep price reductions, first reported by The Athletic, come amid concerns over low attendance at many tournament fixtures. Real Madrid has been the notable exception, attracting crowds of over 60,000 for each of its five games, including a record turnout of 76,611 during Saturday’s quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey.

The European Union (EU) has congratulated Bangladesh Women’s Football team for three consecutive victories and securing a spot in the Asian Cup finals. "What a hat-trick! Huge congratulations from the EU Delegation to the Bangladesh Women’s Football Team for 3 consecutive victories and securing a spot in the Asian Cup finals," said the EU Embassy in Dhaka in a message on Saturday night. "Each goal you score kicks down barriers and inspires girls across Bangladesh — and beyond — to dream big and play bold," said the Embassy.

On a balmy evening at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the stage was set for a titanic clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held on July 5, 2025. The air buzzed with anticipation as fans filled the stands, their chants and songs creating an electric atmosphere. Little did they know that the match would be remembered not only for its footballing drama but also for the heartbreaking injury of Jamal Musiala, which would resonate across the football world. A Star Falls: Musiala’s Devastating Injury As the first half neared its conclusion, with the score still locked at 0-0, a moment of horror unfolded. Bayern’s prodigy, Jamal Musiala, known for his electrifying pace and deft touch, found himself in a one-on-one situation with PSG’s towering goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. In a courageous attempt to slot the ball past the Italian, Musiala collided heavily with Donnarumma, and in an instant, the stadium fell silent. Musiala lay on the ground, clutching his ankle, his face contorted in agony. The severity of the injury—suspected to be a broken ankle—was immediately apparent. Players from both teams gathered around, their expressions a mix of shock and concern. Bayern’s captain, Manuel Neuer, stood nearby, his face etched with worry for his young teammate. Even PSG’s players, fierce competitors moments earlier, showed visible empathy, with Donnarumma himself checking on Musiala’s condition. Read more: Kyle Walker ends 8-year spell with Man City by moving to Burnley The medical team rushed onto the field, and after several tense minutes, Musiala was carefully placed on a stretcher and carried off, the crowd rising to applaud the 22-year-old star. The applause was a mix of support and sorrow, a collective acknowledgement of Musiala’s brilliance and the uncertainty now surrounding his future. The injury’s graphic nature led stadium officials to withhold the replay from the big screens, sparing fans from reliving the distressing moment. Musiala, who had scored three goals in the Club World Cup and 20 across all competitions this season, is more than just a player for Bayern. Born in Stuttgart to a Nigerian father and German mother, he moved to England at a young age, honing his skills in Chelsea’s academy before returning to Germany. His versatility, technical skill, and composure have drawn comparisons to football’s greats, making his injury all the more devastating for Bayern and their supporters.

High flying Bangladesh Women’s Football team qualified for the 12-team final round of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 in style with all-win record outplaying Turkmenistan by 7-0 goals in the last group match at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon Saturday evening. Bangladesh scored all the seven goals in the first half in an one sided match where Turkmenistan booters were completely off coloured  in all the departments. Country's wonder girl Ritu Porna Chakma, who guided Bangladesh to their first-ever final round berth in the AFC Women's Asian Cup scoring two eye catching goals against stronger Myanmar on Wednesday, today (Saturday) also scored twice against Turkmenistan. With the day's feat, Ritu Porna Chakma scored five goals in three group matches including one against Bahrain. Shamsun Nahar Junior also scored two goals while Tohura Khatun, Sopna Rani and Monika Chakma scored one goal each for Bangladesh. Sopna Rani put Bangladesh ahead in the very 4th minute by a power packed shot , off a Shamsun Nahar cross came his way from Tohura Khatun (1-0). Winger Shamsin Nahar Junior scored two goals in a row in the 6th minute and 13th minute 3-0). Monika Chakma scored the 4th goal for Bangladesh  in the 16th minute(4-0),  Ritu Porna Chakma scored the 5th goal in the 18th minute (5-0)  while Tohura Khatun netted the 6th goal in the 20th minute to take 6-0 lead within just 20 minutes. Finally, Ritu Porna Chakma sealed the fate of the match scoring her 2nd goal in the 42nd minute by a left footer, off  a Monika Chakma' s short corner (7-0). U-18 Asia Cup Hockey: Bangladesh Men’s team earns 2nd consecutive victory crushing Sri Lanka 13-0 In three group matches, Bangladesh scored 16 goals conceding only one against Myanmar. In the day's another Group C match, hosts Myanmar outplayed Bahrain. by 6-0 goals Saturday afternoon After the day's s last Group C matches, Bangladesh team clinched the Group C crown with all- win run to qualify for the final round of the Women's Asian Cup securing full nine points from straight three matches while hosts Myanmar eliminated from the meet with six points from three outings. Earlier, Bangladesh Women's team (Ranked 128th) brought  laurel for the country by reaching their first- ever final round berth in the AFC Women's Asian Cup as the Group C champions with one match to spare shocking their 73rd ranked superior and two times ASEAN champions Myanmar (55th)  by 2-1 goals last Wednesday Bangladesh Women's team, which remained winless suffering five consecutive defeats  conceding 25 goals in last two versions of AFC Women's  Asian Cup Qualifiers, tasted their maiden victory in the continental football with commanding 7-0 goals victory over  their 36th ranked higher Bahrain (ranked 92nd)  in their opening Group C  match of the ongoing meet at the same venue last Sunday. Incidentally, Bangladesh is the first team to qualify for the 12- team final round the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2026 as one of the eight group champions to  join already-qualified sides--last time champions China, runners up South Korea, 3rd ranked Japan and hosts Australia The ensuing 12-team AFC Women's Asian Cup, billed for the different Australia cities from  March 1 to 21 next year, will also be treated as the qualifying meet for the---2027 FIFA Women' s World Cup in Brazil and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Bangladesh team also have chance to play in two prestigious global meets as the top six teams of the Asian Cup will be entitled to play in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Two more teams may also qualify via the Inter-confederation play-off . All eight quarter-finalists of the Asian Cup qualifying for the 2028 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament Bangladesh national men's football team qualified for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup once in 1980 in Kuwait. Group champions Bangladesh women's team will return home Sunday night.

England right back Kyle Walker ended his eight-year stint at Manchester City by moving to Burnley on Saturday in a deal reportedly worth 5 million pounds ($6.8 million). The 35-year-old Walker joins an American-owned team that has just been promoted to the Premier League and is coached by Scott Parker, his former Tottenham and England teammate. Walker has been a great at City, winning six league titles and the Champions League since his 2017 move from Spurs, but lost his place in the team last season and went on loan to AC Milan. He kept his place in the England squad, though, playing in the team's last game — a 3-1 loss to Senegal last month — to move onto 96 caps. Injured Reece James out of Chelsea lineup “When I spoke to Scott and heard about his plans for next season, it was an opportunity I jumped at," said Walker, who has signed a two-year deal. "He’s done an amazing job here, guiding the club back to the Premier League with a 100-point haul, and now we’re looking forward, together, at being back in the greatest league in the world. “Burnley had a tremendous campaign last season, built on an incredible defensive record, and I can’t wait to come in and add my experience and quality to what looks an exciting squad.”

Chelsea captain Reece James was removed from the starting lineup for Friday night’s Club World Cup quarterfinal match against Palmeiras due to injury. James, 25, was listed on FIFA’s squad list as injured on the bench. There was no immediate update on the severity of his injury. Midfielder Andrey Santos replaced James in Chelsea’s starting lineup for the match. Spain thrash Portugal 5-0 in Women’s Euro opener as González makes history The English right back has featured in three of Chelsea’s four Club World Cup matches prior to Friday. He played 81 minutes in the round-of-16 victory over Benfica on Saturday, scoring the opening goal in a 4-1 win. James has struggled with fitness issues throughout his career, missing 21 games for Chelsea during the 2024-25 seasons due to hamstring injuries.