United News of Bangladesh

Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the heart of global football headlines during the ongoing international break. Portugal edged past Hungary in a tense World Cup qualifier, thanks to a late winner from João Cancelo. Yet, as so often, it was Ronaldo who stole the limelight not only for his performance but for another landmark goal that added weight to his legendary career. In the 58th minute, the Al Nassr striker calmly converted a penalty, putting Portugal ahead and etching his name into history yet again. With that strike, Ronaldo became the joint-highest scorer in World Cup qualifying history with 39 goals, standing shoulder to shoulder with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. The milestone came just five days after Lionel Messi presumably played the last match of his career in the World Cup qualifiers on home soil with Argentina. Ronaldo’s penalty not only extended his personal tally but also widened the gap over his eternal rival. He now sits three goals ahead of Messi in qualifiers, underlining how the duel between the two greats continues to shape football’s narrative even in its twilight. With this latest addition, Ronaldo’s international goal count swelled to 141 in 223 appearances, the highest in men’s football. Messi, with 114 goals in 194 caps, trails by a significant margin, though still far ahead of Iran’s Ali Daei, who retired with 108 goals from 148 matches. But while Messi and Ronaldo remain the gold standard of international goal-scoring, a new generation has already started rewriting record books. France’s Kylian Mbappé, at just 26, surpassed Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 to become his country’s second-highest scorer with 52 goals. Now just five behind Olivier Giroud, Mbappé seems destined to become France’s all-time top scorer before long. With his pace, consistency, and age on his side, many believe he could eventually challenge Ronaldo’s monumental record. Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, still only 17, has already shown flashes of brilliance for La Roja. If his talent matures and injuries stay at bay, Yamal could well join the pantheon of international greats in the decades to come. Yet, amid this shifting landscape, one name stands out as a genuine threat to Ronaldo’s seemingly unbreakable record: Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old Norwegian forward, already a household name thanks to his club Manchester City, is rapidly building an international legacy of his own. Last night, Haaland spearheaded Norway’s extraordinary 11–1 demolition of Moldova, netting five goals in a single match. The performance elevated his international tally to 48 goals in just 45 appearances, giving him a jaw-dropping strike rate of 1.07 goals per game. To put that in perspective, Ronaldo averages 0.63, Messi 0.59, and Mbappé 0.57 goals per match. Haaland, in other words, is scoring at nearly double the rate of the two greatest of all time. Haaland’s meteoric rise is even more remarkable when you consider the timeline. Since debuting for Norway on September 5, 2019, he has amassed 48 goals in just six years. Ronaldo, by comparison, had scored 22 international goals at the same point in his career. Age is another factor tilting the balance. Ronaldo, who has hinted multiple times that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will likely be his last dance, is expected to retire at 41. Messi, at 38, remains undecided about extending his international journey that far. Haaland, however, has at least 13–15 prime years ahead. If his current scoring rate holds—even allowing for dips in form or injury breaks—he could end his career eclipsing Ronaldo’s all-time record. Of course, the caveat lies in Norway’s fortunes. Unlike Portugal or Argentina, the Norwegians are not perennial favorites at major tournaments. The fewer games his team plays in continental championships and World Cups, the fewer chances Haaland will have to add to his tally. Still, his efficiency is so staggering that even with limited opportunities, his pursuit of Ronaldo’s record feels inevitable rather than speculative. As football’s torch gradually passes from Ronaldo and Messi to the next generation, the question now lingers: will Haaland’s ruthless efficiency make him the new benchmark in international football? For now, Ronaldo’s crown remains intact. But with every Haaland hat-trick and brace, that once-untouchable record looks just a little more fragile.

Spain continued to look like the best team in Europe, England produced their strongest performance under new coach Thomas Tuchel, and France secured back-to-back wins with help from Kylian Mbappé in the opening week of World Cup qualifying. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, played a key role in Portugal’s fast start, while Luka Modrić guided Croatia to the top of their group. Erling Haaland scored five goals in Norway’s 11-1 win over Moldova, a result that could impact Italy’s playoff chances where goal difference may prove decisive. Italy had a strange week in its bid to return to the World Cup. The four-time champions won both games, scored 10 goals, and collected six points, yet coach Gennaro Gattuso was caught on camera angrily confronting an Israel player after a wild 5-4 win. Germany also risked falling toward the playoffs after suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Slovakia — their first-ever road loss in World Cup qualifying. Slovakia, however, missed a chance to boost their position, managing only a 1-0 win over Luxembourg with a stoppage-time goal. Euro 2024 champions Spain continued their fine form, beating Bulgaria 3-0 before thrashing Turkey 6-0 in Istanbul. Midfielder Mikel Merino scored a hat trick while teenage star Lamine Yamal provided two assists. Coach Luis de la Fuente’s young side already looks strong for 2026. England silenced critics with a commanding 5-0 win against Serbia in Belgrade. Goals from Noni Madueke, Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers highlighted the depth of Tuchel’s squad. Tuchel described the result as “a statement victory against a difficult opponent in a difficult environment.” France had to work harder, securing a 2-0 win over Ukraine and a 2-1 victory against Iceland in Paris. Mbappé scored in both matches, taking his international tally to 52, only five behind Olivier Giroud’s record for Les Bleus. Switzerland also made a strong start, beating Kosovo 4-0 and Slovenia 3-0. Breel Embolo scored three of their seven goals, while captain Granit Xhaka controlled the midfield. San Marino, ranked the lowest team in the world, remains an unlikely contender for a playoff spot despite being among the Nations League group winners. Their chances depend on results in other qualifying groups, with teams like Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland and Wales also eyeing playoff paths. Italy could become the team to avoid at the World Cup draw in Washington on December 5 if they reach the playoffs. With six playoff placeholders included in the draw, top-seeded nations like Brazil, Argentina, the U.S. and Canada could risk facing tough opposition early in the tournament.

Kylian Mbappé rescued France, Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal with a record-equaling goal, and England found momentum under Thomas Tuchel as European soccer powerhouses took important steps toward the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland scored five goals in Norway’s 11-1 rout of Moldova despite playing with fresh facial stitches. England dominates Serbia England registered a commanding 5-0 win over Serbia as Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guehi scored their first international goals. Harry Kane opened the scoring with a header from Declan Rice’s corner and later set up England’s fourth goal following a red card to Serbia’s Nikola Milenkovic. “The energy has been higher and the level has been higher,” Kane said after the match. England now leads Group K by seven points over Albania. A win and two draws in the remaining group matches would secure their World Cup spot. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remained largely untested, with Serbia failing to register a single shot on target. France survives Iceland scare France held on with 10 men to beat Iceland 2-1, with Mbappé scoring a penalty and assisting Bradley Barcola’s second-half goal. Iceland initially took the lead after a defensive error by Michael Olise. France’s Aurélien Tchouaméni was sent off in the second half, making the finish tense, but Les Bleus remain top of Group D. Ukraine’s qualification hopes dimmed after a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan. Portugal edges Hungary Portugal secured a 3-2 victory over Hungary thanks to Joao Cancelo’s 86th-minute winner. Ronaldo had earlier converted a penalty, equaling Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz’s record with his 39th World Cup qualifying goal, raising his overall international tally to 141. In Group F, Ireland’s dream of returning to the World Cup ended in a 2-1 loss to Armenia. Haaland stars in Norway’s 11-1 win Norway’s Erling Haaland scored five goals, including a first-half hat-trick, as the team routed Moldova 11-1, extending their Group I lead over Italy to six points. Haaland played despite receiving stitches after a bus door accident. Austria moves closer to first World Cup since 1998 Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer scored as Austria defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in Group H. Austria now shares 12 points with Bosnia-Herzegovina but has a game in hand. Cyprus and Romania played out a 2-2 draw.

Nottingham Forest has fired head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after his working relationship with the club's owner deteriorated. “Nottingham Forest Football Club confirms that, following recent circumstances, Nuno Espirito Santo has today been relieved of his duties as head coach,” the club said in a statement released late Monday. “The club thanks Nuno for his contribution during a very successful era at the City Ground, in particular his role in the 2024-25 season, which will forever be remembered fondly. “As someone who played a pivotal role in our success last season, he will always hold a special place in our journey.” The club released no immediate detail on a replacement as head coach. Forest is 10th in the Premier League standings with a win, a draw and a loss ahead of this weekend’s game at third-place Arsenal. Nuno acknowledged last month that he was worried about his job security because of worsening relations with the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis. The 51-year-old Portuguese coach last season led Forest to seventh place in the Premier League — with the club securing a place in Europe for the first time in 30 years. Still, Nuno’s job was not safe despite signing an improved contract in June, particularly after criticizing Forest’s offseason transfer activity and saying the club was wasting a good chance to develop. “I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season (it) was very, very, very close,” Nuno said ahead of the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Aug. 24. “This season, not so well. ... And where there’s smoke, there’s fire." Marinakis, who also owns Greek champion Olympiakos, is known in soccer as a big personality with strong opinions on how his clubs are run. Nuno acknowledged last month that a working relationship that was “more based on trust and sharing opinions” had become one was "now it’s not so good.”

Former Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has been appointed head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, replacing Erik ten Hag, who was fired last week after just three games in charge. Hjulmand, 53, left the Danish national team after Euro 2024 and previously managed Mainz in the Bundesliga in 2014-15. Calling Leverkusen a “well-managed and ambitious club,” he said it was an honor to take charge of the team. Leverkusen, last season’s unbeaten Bundesliga champions, turned to Hjulmand after Ten Hag struggled, securing only one point from two league matches and clashing with management over transfers. Club CEO Fernando Carro praised Hjulmand’s “transparent and empathetic style,” noting his leadership was evident at Euro 2021 when he guided Denmark through the crisis of Christian Eriksen’s on-field collapse, eventually leading the team to the semifinals.

Manchester City and the Premier League have reached a settlement in a legal dispute over new rules governing sponsorship deals. City had challenged amendments to the Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, which require commercial deals linked to club owners to reflect fair market value. The rules aim to stop inflated sponsorships that could bypass financial regulations. In a joint statement Monday, both sides said they agreed to end the proceedings, with City accepting that the current APT rules are “valid and binding.” Separately, City still faces more than 100 charges of alleged financial breaches, which were heard by an independent commission last year. No verdict has been announced, and the club has denied all charges.

Cristiano Ronaldo started his bid to appear in a record sixth World Cup in stunning fashion, scoring twice as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 win over Armenia in their opening qualifier on Saturday. Ronaldo, now 40, extended his men’s international scoring record to 140 goals, showing he is still motivated to add to his legacy. Despite winning almost every major honor in his career, including the European Championship, the World Cup remains missing from his collection — a title his long-time rival Lionel Messi claimed with Argentina in 2022. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is expected to be Ronaldo’s final chance. If he makes it, both he and Messi will stand alone as the only players to feature in six editions of the tournament. England’s John Stones sidelined with muscle injury Against Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Ronaldo struck once in each half. His second goal came with a thunderous shot from about 25 meters, reminding fans of his trademark finishing. He celebrated with arms wide open as teammates rushed to congratulate him. Joao Felix also scored twice, netting the opener inside 10 minutes, while Joao Cancelo added another to complete the rout. Midfielder Vitinha described it as a “near-perfect performance.” Portugal’s victory also carried emotion as it was the first match since the death of former player Diogo Jota and his brother in a car accident in July. Ronaldo pointed to the sky after scoring, and Cancelo honored Jota with his signature celebration. Source: Agency 

England defender John Stones has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia due to a muscle injury. The Manchester City player left the national team camp on Friday. Head coach Thomas Tuchel said Stones arrived with minor muscle problems and did not improve as expected. “He came with muscular issues and didn’t progress as we hoped, so he left camp this morning. We will not take the risk, not against Andorra and also not against Serbia,” Tuchel told reporters. England face Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before traveling to Belgrade to play Serbia on Tuesday. Tuchel confirmed captain Harry Kane will feature against Andorra, stressing he will field his strongest side as qualification remains the top priority.

Chelsea have completed the signing of U.S. forward Alyssa Thompson from Angel City in one of women’s football’s biggest transfer deals. The 20-year-old joined on a five-year contract for a reported £1 million ($1.35 million). “Chelsea is such an amazing club, one of the best in the world. Playing alongside top players will help me learn and grow a lot,” Thompson said after the move. Thompson, the first pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, scored six goals in 16 matches this season. Overall, she netted 15 goals in 69 appearances for Angel City. She has also made 22 appearances for the U.S. national team, scoring three goals. Chelsea’s head of women’s football Paul Green described her as “one of the most exciting young players in the world.” Her signing comes the same day London City Lionesses secured France midfielder Grace Geyoro from PSG for a reported world-record £1.4 million ($1.88 million). Other recent big deals included Orlando Pride signing Mexico star Lizbeth Ovalle for $1.5 million and Olivia Smith’s move to Arsenal for $1.3 million. Chelsea remain the dominant force in women’s soccer in England, winning six straight WSL titles and nine of the last 11.

Lionel Messi made sure he had good memories of playing a home qualifier with Argentina’s national team for the last time in his illustrious career. Messi scored twice Thursday in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in front of a raucous sellout crowd that had gathered at estadio Monumental to bid him farewell. “Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said. “I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.” Messi is yet to give any clues about when he will retire from the top level of the sport. But the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup will begin in 2027, when he's 40. The Argentina captain scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, and Lautaro Martinez added a goal in the 76th. Messi now has 36 goals in South American World Cup qualifiers and remains as the all-time scoring leader. His Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez has 29 goals in continental qualifying, but he has retired from Uruguay's national team. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22. Looking ahead, Messi clarified that he will only compete in next year’s World Cup if he feels physically fit. “I’m excited, eager. It’s day by day, feeling the sensations. If I feel good, I enjoy it; if not, I’d rather not be there," he said, adding that the nine months until the tournament kicks off “is a long time.” Already qualified, the World Cup champions extended their tally to 38 points and will remain atop the South American qualifying standings regardless of what happens in the last round next Tuesday. Venezuela, trying to qualify for its first World Cup, remains on 18 points and in seventh place. They're still in contention to advance to an intercontinental playoff.