United News of Bangladesh

The 6th edition of the four-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Women’s Championship Bangladesh’2025 begins here on Friday at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital. Four South Asian nations –Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh-- will compete in the 11-day meet on double league basis, organised by South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) under the auspices of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Joints champions Bangladesh team will start their campaign taking on Sri Lanka in the opening match on Friday at 3 pm local time while Bhutan will encounter Nepal in the other opening day’s fixture at 7 pm local time. India, which emerged joint champions with Bangladesh in 2024 in Dhaka after playing 1-1 draw in the schedule time and 11-11 goals draw in penalty shootout in the final, did not compete this time. Ritu and Monika in Bhutan to join Paro FC for women’s league In the other double league basis matches, Bangladesh will play Nepal on July 13, Bhutan on July 15, again Bhutan on July 17, Sri Lanka on July 19 and Nepal on July 21. After the league basis matches, top team will be the champions.  Meanwhile, all the three foreign teams will make their practices on Thursday. Sri Lanka team will make their practices at the Bashundhara Kings practice ground at 3 pm, Bhutan team at APBN ground also at 3 pm while Nepal team also at APBN ground at 4:30 pm.  

João Pedro scored a brace against his former club Fluminense in his first start for Chelsea, guiding the English side to a 2-0 victory on Tuesday and securing a place in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who spent nearly a decade at Fluminense before moving to Watford in 2020, found the net in the 18th and 56th minutes. Out of respect, he chose not to celebrate either goal. João Pedro recently joined Chelsea from Brighton on July 2. With this win, Chelsea move into Sunday’s final where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. A victory would give Chelsea their second Club World Cup title, having won the tournament in 2021. European clubs continue to dominate the Club World Cup, with this year’s final set to mark the 12th consecutive title for Europe and the 17th in 18 editions. The only exception came in 2012 when Brazil’s Corinthians defeated Chelsea. Fluminense were initially awarded a penalty in the first half, but French referee François Letexier overturned the decision after a VAR review, ruling that Trevoh Chalobah’s arm was in a natural position when René’s free kick struck it. Mbappé withdraws harassment case against PSG, pursues reconciliation João Pedro’s first goal came after he dispossessed German Cano and set up a sequence that ended with a precise 20-yard finish. His second came from a fluid team move initiated by Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández, which he finished off the underside of the crossbar. Marc Cucurella made a crucial goal-line clearance in the 27th minute, while Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo suffered a left ankle injury in stoppage time. The match drew 70,556 fans to MetLife Stadium amid sweltering 34°C heat and intense humidity. FIFA had slashed ticket prices drastically a week earlier, from nearly $474 to just over $13. Chelsea are expected to earn between $88.4 million and $103.8 million for reaching the final, depending on undisclosed FIFA fees. Argentinian star Di María returns to Rosario Central after 18 years Quotable:“When I was young, I didn’t have nothing. They gave everything to me,” João Pedro said of Fluminense.“We depart with our heads held high,” said Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho. Source: Agency 

France captain Kylian Mbappé has withdrawn the legal case he filed against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for alleged moral harassment, a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. The Paris prosecutor’s office had earlier confirmed that an investigation had been opened after Mbappé filed the complaint earlier this year. However, the individual close to the French football star said Tuesday that the decision to end the criminal proceedings was part of a move toward reconciliation with his former club. The person, who is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, also confirmed that this development does not affect a separate legal procedure. Mbappé is still pursuing a case before an industrial tribunal seeking €55 million (approximately $61 million) in unpaid wages from the club. In his earlier complaint, Mbappé had accused PSG of ‘lofting’ him — a practice in France involving the isolation of a player from the main squad for sporting, administrative, or disciplinary reasons. The dispute began after Mbappé was sidelined prior to the 2023–24 season following his decision not to extend his contract with the Ligue 1 champions. Despite the earlier tension, the relationship between Mbappé and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has reportedly improved in recent weeks, according to Mbappé’s entourage. Mbappé left PSG in the summer to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after scoring a record 256 goals for the club over seven years. He is now set to face his former club in the Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. PSG Overcomes Bayern in Dramatic Club World Cup Quarterfinal Amid Musiala’s Heartbreaking Injury Mbappé’s departure came amid deep tensions. Some fans booed him during his final home match at Parc des Princes, and PSG was reportedly disappointed after having offered him a record-breaking contract in 2022. The relationship soured further when, in June 2023, Mbappé informed the club he would not trigger the option for a contract extension. With just one year remaining on his deal, PSG risked losing him for free in 2024 and sought to sell him. Mbappé was subsequently left out of a preseason tour in Japan and South Korea and made to train with fringe players. Despite receiving a €300 million offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, he declined the move. Although PSG excluded him from their opening league match, Mbappé was eventually reinstated into the squad following further discussions with the club.

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.