United News of Bangladesh

Lionel Messi did not play in Argentina’s friendly against Honduras on Saturday night as he continued to manage muscle fatigue and a mild strain in his left hamstring ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Messi, who will turn 39 in three weeks, participated in the pre-match warm-up with his teammates at Kyle Field on the campus of Texas A&M. However, he remained on the bench throughout the match, watching from the sidelines as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory. Messi could return in Argentina warm-ups Argentina has said Messi’s return will depend on his “clinical and functional progress.” The team is scheduled to face Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday in its final World Cup warm-up match before resuming training in Kansas City. The defending champions will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16. During a training session in Kansas City on Wednesday, Messi arrived on the practice field after the rest of the squad and carried out conditioning exercises separately. Widely expected to retire from international football after this summer’s World Cup, Messi holds the record for the most World Cup appearances with 26 matches. He is also four goals away from surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who holds the tournament scoring record with 16 goals.

Lionel Messi could feature in Argentina's World Cup warm-up fixtures as he recovers from a hamstring injury, Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni said on Friday. Messi was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring while playing for Inter Miami in a 6-4 MLS win over Philadelphia on May 24. Scaloni said the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner might be available for Saturday's friendly against Honduras in College Station, Texas, or its final preparatory game against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday. "Leo is doing well," Scaloni told reporters. "He trained for a while with the main group, which is important. He's not fully recovered, but he's coming along. He may get some minutes in these two friendlies. We'll see if it's the one tomorrow or the next one. But he's doing a lot better and that gives us peace of mind." Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Nico Paz and Gonzalo Montiel also trained separately as they recover from minor injuries. Scaloni said he would seek to replace any players that are not 100% fit before the tournament. "It may happen," he said. "Today we have the feeling that the guys are doing well, but what we're completely sure of is that if any one of them is not available, they'll be left out." "We have that clear. For now, they're doing well, but we've been monitoring them. When the decisive stage arrives, which is the final week, where they have to ramp up to see if they are 100%, that's when we'll decide, even though it'll hurt a lot if any one of the guys has to be left out." Argentina will start its World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.  

India regained the South Asian women's football crown on Saturday, defeating holders Bangladesh 3-1 in the SAFF Women’s Championship final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. The defeat shattered Bangladesh's hopes of a third consecutive title, ending their brief regional dominance and handing India a record sixth championship. Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler shook up his starting lineup for the decider, bringing in star forwards Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar Junior. Both teams squandered early chances in a high-tempo opening before India broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Pyari Xaxa pounced on a defensive lapse to hit a strike that deflected off defender Suravi Akter Afrin, looping over an advanced Mile Akter in goal. Bangladesh struck back deep into first-half injury time. Winger Ritu Porna Chakma collected a sharp pass from Tohura, cut inside from the left flank, and hit a low diagonal shot past the Indian goalkeeper to equalize. It was the first goal India conceded in the entire tournament. However, the momentum shifted back to India just 48 seconds after the restart. Sanfida Nongrum got ahead of the Bangladeshi defense to meet a cross from Xaxa, directing a powerful header into the net. Butler tried to spark a recovery by introducing Monika Chakma for Anika Rania Siddika in the 60th minute. Bangladesh then had a strong penalty appeal turned down shortly after when Shamsunnahar Senior went down after a challenge with Malvika in the box. As Bangladesh pushed forward, their defensive shape collapsed. India took full advantage of the disarray in the 83rd minute when Linda Kom Serto slotted home a third goal to wrap up the victory for Crispin Chettri’s side.

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.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday joined millions of fans across Bangladesh and around the world in congratulating the team, the Bangladesh Football Federation, and all associated on this groundbreaking performance as the team secured its first-ever victory on European soil. Despite playing away from home, the Bangladesh team was cheered on by hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals who travelled from across Europe to support the team - a testament to the spirit and pride of our diaspora community. Bangladesh script history with maiden win over European side on European soil The Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy and officials of the Bangladesh Embassy were also present to support and encourage the team on this historic occasion, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a landmark moment for Bangladeshi football, the Bangladesh National Football Team has etched its name into the history books by securing its first-ever victory on European soil, defeating San Marino in last evening’s (5 June 2026) FIFA international friendly match. The historic triumph, which ended with a scoreline of [2-1], marks a monumental milestone for the Bengal Tigers. Played at the San Marino Stadium, the team displayed resilience, tactical discipline, and a fighting spirit that captivated fans back home and around the globe.

Stadium workers at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike just days before the venue hosts the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening World Cup match. The vote does not mean an immediate walkout, but it gives around 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers the option to strike if contract negotiations with the stadium’s food service provider collapse. The development comes ahead of the June 12 match against Paraguay, one of the early fixtures of the tournament in the United States. A union representative said workers could go on strike during the match if no agreement is reached. Workers say they are concerned about low wages and job security, particularly amid increased immigration enforcement under the current US administration. Local authorities have said federal agents may be present at World Cup events for security purposes, but not for immigration enforcement. “What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay rent and fear being picked up by immigration agents?” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. He added that a strike could disrupt premium hospitality services at the stadium. Legends Global, which manages hospitality services at SoFi Stadium, said it remains committed to reaching an agreement and maintaining a good relationship with the union. The company said it expects to deliver a high-quality experience for fans during the FIFA World Cup matches. Union leaders, however, say negotiations have been moving slowly, with only limited wage increases offered for some workers and pay freezes for others despite the expected high revenues from the tournament. They are also demanding stronger protections against subcontracting and immigration-related disruptions. A stadium bartender said many workers are long-time soccer fans but feel disappointed by the lack of progress in talks. “The World Cup will generate huge profits, but we are still fighting for basic respect and safety,” he said, adding he is ready to strike if needed. Community groups in other host cities, including Atlanta and Miami, have also raised concerns about immigration enforcement during the tournament, warning it could affect fan celebrations and public events. The World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans across 11 US cities, as well as venues in Canada and Mexico, during June and July.

Members of Iran’s national football team have received approval for U.S. visas, allowing them to travel from their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States for their opening World Cup matches near Los Angeles later this month, according to U.S. officials. Iran’s participation in the tournament has faced challenges due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Visa-processing difficulties had earlier prompted the team to relocate its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, just across the U.S.-Mexico border. One U.S. official said all Iranian players had been cleared for visas and were in the process of receiving them. Another official confirmed that visas had also been granted to coaches, trainers, and several support staff members. While officials could not confirm whether any visa applications had been denied, one source indicated that some individuals connected to the team may have been rejected after allegedly applying under false claims. The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss visa matters publicly. The team’s passports were expected to be returned soon, potentially as early as Friday or Saturday, enabling travel arrangements to proceed. Iran has been preparing for the World Cup in Antalya, Turkey, before moving to Tijuana. The team previously confirmed that Mexican visas had been issued through Mexico’s embassy in Ankara. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack praised embassy staff in Ankara for facilitating the visa process, stating that sports have the power to bring people together across national boundaries and expressing enthusiasm about welcoming athletes and supporters from around the world. Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21. The team will then travel to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. If both Iran and the United States finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in the tournament’s Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump questioned whether Iran should participate in the World Cup, citing security concerns. Iran’s national team responded by asserting that no country could prevent it from competing. The final Iranian squad was announced on Monday and includes 17 players based in Iran, whose domestic clubs have been inactive since February due to the war. Notably, star striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad after reportedly posting content on social media that displeased Iranian authorities. Although Iran’s sports minister had previously suggested participation might not be possible, the country’s football federation later confirmed that preparations for the World Cup would continue. The federation also maintained that visas should be issued to all players and staff members, including those who had completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Bangladesh scripted a new chapter in the country’s football history by securing a memorable 2-1 victory over San Marino in an international friendly, marking their first-ever win against a European side on European soil. Defender Topu Barman emerged as the hero of the historic triumph, scoring both goals for the visitors as Bangladesh defeated the European minnows in an entertaining contest. The match carried special significance as it was the first time Bangladesh played against a European national team in Europe.  The occasion generated huge excitement among football fans, with expectations running high ahead of the encounter. The historic win is expected to boost confidence within the Bangladesh camp and provide fresh momentum for the national team’s future international campaigns.

FIFA has canceled World Cup tickets that were mistakenly issued free of charge to around 60 fans because of a website error, the governing body confirmed on Thursday. According to FIFA, the tickets were “allocated at no charge (0 USD)” due to a payment issue that occurred during the checkout process. The organization apologized for the mistake and any inconvenience caused. 2022 semifinalist Morocco has more to prove this year’s World Cup FIFA said the affected tickets remain reserved for the fans concerned, who have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount to secure their seats. The incident marks the latest problem in FIFA’s World Cup ticketing system, which is already under investigation by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey over possible consumer protection law violations. The incorrectly priced tickets were sold through FIFA’s official World Cup website on May 21, more than three months after FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that all 104 matches of the tournament had sold out. Despite that claim, FIFA continues to sell tickets for matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins next Thursday in Mexico City. FIFA also operates its own resale platform,  charging a 15% commission to both buyers and sellers. Ticket prices for the tournament are significantly higher than in previous editions, despite an earlier pledge by the United States, Canada and Mexico bid team to offer hundreds of thousands of group-stage tickets at $21 each.

Morocco head into this year’s World Cup with renewed pressure to prove themselves, as off-field controversies and legal disputes overshadow the momentum built from their historic 2022 semifinal run. The Atlas Lions stunned the football world in Qatar by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, defeating heavyweights Spain and Portugal along the way. Their achievement also boosted support across Africa and strengthened Morocco’s bid to establish itself as a football powerhouse, including its role as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup. However, their recent buildup has been marked by controversy following the Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Morocco. A chaotic final against Senegal in January ended in confusion and later legal disputes. Senegal initially lifted the trophy after a 1-0 extra-time win, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later ruled in March that Senegal should forfeit the match due to players walking off in protest. The decision overturned the result in Morocco’s favour, but Senegal has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, leaving the outcome unresolved and celebrations muted. The turmoil has shifted focus away from football, with Morocco now looking to reset ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign. Morocco will face five-time champions Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, Scotland in Boston on June 19, and Haiti in Atlanta on June 24 in their Group C fixtures. Former coach Walid Regragui, who guided Morocco to their 2022 World Cup breakthrough shortly after taking charge, stepped down following the Africa Cup. Despite earlier success, he faced criticism over the team’s performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He has been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi, who previously led Morocco’s under-20 side to the Youth World Cup title in 2025. Under his leadership, Morocco drew with Ecuador and defeated Paraguay in March warm-up matches. Injuries have also posed concerns, with captain Achraf Hakimi struggling with a thigh problem that puts his World Cup participation in doubt. Hakimi had also returned late from injury during the Africa Cup but played a key role in the knockout stages. Attention has also centred on Brahim Díaz, who starred at the Africa Cup with five goals. The Real Madrid forward was pivotal in Morocco’s run to the final but came under scrutiny after missing a decisive penalty in the controversial final against Senegal. He has since seen limited involvement under the new coach. With both expectation and uncertainty surrounding the squad, Morocco enter the tournament determined to put off-field distractions behind them and replicate their historic World Cup success.