Sports - The Daily Ittefaq

Bangladesh rise to No. 6 in Test rankings for first time

UNB — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:44:36 +0600

Bangladesh’s historic Test win in Australia has pushed them to No. 6 in the ICC rankings, their highest position since becoming a Test-playing nation. The three-place rise came despite a heavy defeat in Mackay, where Australia won the second Test by an innings and 51 runs inside two days to level the series 1-1. Bangladesh now have 1,878 points from 24 Tests and a rating of 78. They... Details

Chinese humanoid robots break human records

UNB — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:11:33 +0600

Chinese humanoid robots broke several human sporting records, including Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt’s 100-metre world record, at the opening of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on Saturday. More than 2,000 humanoid robots are taking part in the five-day event, which features 51 disciplines and more than 1,000 competitions, including athletics, table tennis, soccer,... Details

Starc takes six as Bangladesh bowled out for 64

UNB — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:55:33 +0600

Mitchell Starc took 6 for 12 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 64 in 34 overs on Saturday, giving Australia a commanding start to the second Test in Mackay. Bangladesh lost five wickets for 12 runs after Australia opted to field, with four of their top six batters dismissed without scoring. Shadman Islam was out to the first ball, edging Starc to Cameron Green at gully. Tanzid Hasan followed... Details

Bangladesh script historic nine-wicket Test win over Australia in Darwin

UNB — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:01:56 +0600

Bangladesh beat Australia by nine wickets in Darwin on Sunday to secure one of the biggest Test wins in their history. Chasing 57, Bangladesh reached 53 for 1 in 14.2 overs, with Mominul Haque unbeaten on 26 and Shadman Islam on 25. The victory came 23 years after Bangladesh last played a Test in Australia. It also capped a remarkable turnaround after they were bowled out for 54 by a Cricket... Details

Bangladesh need 57 to beat Australia in Darwin

UNB — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:56:42 +0600

Bangladesh are 57 runs away from a historic Test victory after bowling Australia out for 284 in their second innings in Darwin. Australia added 123 runs to their overnight total on Sunday but lost their last six wickets for 123 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took five wickets, while Hasan Mahmud took three to finish with nine in the match. Australia resumed on 161 for 4, with Cameron Green and Alex... Details

PSG retain UEFA Super Cup with 2-1 win over Aston Villa

UNB — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:12:13 +0600

Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Super Cup for a second consecutive year after beating Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday, with Désiré Doué scoring the decisive second-half goal in the traditional curtain-raiser to the European soccer season. Doué put PSG ahead in the 61st minute after running onto a pass from Ousmane Dembélé. The goal was initially... Details

Messi scores twice as Inter Miami beat San Luis 4-2

UNB — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:09:01 +0600

Lionel Messi scored twice, his first goals since the World Cup, as Inter Miami came from behind to beat Atlético San Luis 4-2 in a rain-hit Leagues Cup match on Wednesday night. The match at Nu Stadium was delayed for 30 minutes in the second half because of lightning in the area. Messi scored in the 11th and 44th minutes to take his Leagues Cup tally to 14 goals in 12 matches, moving... Details

Ghana eye historic first Women's AFCON title in Morocco

UNB — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:01:40 +0600

Ghana will aim to win its first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title when the 2026 tournament begins in Morocco on Saturday. The Black Queens finished third at the previous edition, with the Ghana Football Association and coaching staff confident the team can challenge for the continental crown. Ghana Football Association president Kurt Simeon-Okraku has backed the team to surpass its most... Details

FIFA opens probe into WC final clash between Spain and Argentina

UNB — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:34:11 +0600

FIFA has opened an investigation into the scuffle involving players and coaching staff from Spain and Argentina after Sunday's World Cup final. InternationalSports Competitions The governing body said it has appointed an investigator under Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after reviewing the referee's report. "Following an assessment of the match report from the FIFA World Cup... Details

Spain's World Cup champions return home

UNB — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:01:59 +0600

Spain's World Cup-winning football team is set to receive a heroes' welcome on Monday as the 26-man squad returns home following its 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. GeographicReference The players will be welcomed by King Felipe VI, other members of the Spanish royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez... Details

World Cup 2026: Novelty, controversy and farewell

UNB — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:52:16 +0600

This was a World Cup that looked different from the outset. FIFA had already committed to an expanded 48-team format before it even chose a host, and when the joint bid from Canada, Mexico and the United States won that vote in 2018, the 2026 World Cup became the first to be staged in three countries. Football's governing body later confirmed three other changes: an automatic red card for... Details

Spain claim 2nd World Cup title after beating Argentina

UNB — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:20:43 +0600

This is how good Spain was at the World Cup: Not even Lionel Messi had any answers. And when it was over, Spain walked off with the trophy. Messi simply walked off in tears. Spain is back atop the soccer world for a second time, after Ferran Torres’ first goal of this year's World Cup — unquestionably the goal of his life — gave his country a 1-0 win over now-dethroned... Details

History points to a high-scoring Argentina-Spain World Cup final

UNB — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:20:49 +0600

Expect some goals in the World Cup final. At least, that’s what history says. In the 22 previous World Cup men's finals (which would include the 1950 match between Uruguay and Brazil that technically wasn’t a final, but decided who won the World Cup), the winning team has averaged 2.6 goals in the title matchup. The losing team has averaged 1.1 goals. The two most recent... Details

World Cup champions to get $51m, trophy and inaugural title rings

UNB — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:12:46 +0600

The winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive a record $51 million in prize money, along with the World Cup trophy, championship rings for the first time and a place in sporting history. FIFA has increased the tournament's total prize fund to a record $871 million for the expanded 48-team World Cup, up from $440 million for the 32-team tournament in Qatar in 2022. The governing body... Details

Mbappe World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals

UNB — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:36:00 +0600

France captain Kylian Mbappe became the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history on Sunday, surpassing Lionel Messi's career tally, but the milestone came in a losing cause as England defeated France 6-4 in the third-place playoff. Mbappe scored twice in the second half to raise his career World Cup goal tally to 22, overtaking Messi's 21 goals. The French forward also finished the 2026 World... Details

Thunderstorms to clear wildfire smoke ahead of World Cup final

UNB — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:44:30 +0600

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires that has engulfed the Northeast in haze is expected to mostly clear from the New Jersey area just in time for the World Cup final on Sunday, thanks to thunderstorms passing through the area, meteorologists say. Warnings of unhealthy air quality remained in effect Saturday across a wide swath of the United States. At MetLife Stadium, where the final is taking... Details

World Cup fever fuels internet subscriber growth

BSS — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 12:00:01 +0600

The ongoing FIFA World Cup appears to have given a strong boost to internet usage in Bangladesh, with industry insiders attributing a sharp rise in internet subscriptions to increased data consumption during the global football spectacle alongside some others aspects. Latest data released by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) showed internet subscriptions increased... Details

World Cup rings for winners as Trump attendance confirmed

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:57:46 +0600

Fifa will present World Cup rings to the winners of Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain, which will be attended by Donald Trump. Winner rings are a tradition in American sport, with the NFL's Super Bowl victors presented with them, reports the BBC. Thirty rings will be made available to the world champions, and a further 1,996 rings will go on sale to fans. Each ring will include a... Details

Messi magic sends Argentina into World Cup final

BSS — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:19:16 +0600

Lionel Messi engineered a spectacular comeback for Argentina against England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to keep his team on track for back-to-back titles. England were agonisingly close to reaching their first World Cup final for 60 years before succumbing to relentless pressure from Lionel Scaloni's team, who roared back to win 2-1 in Atlanta. It sets up a mouthwatering... Details

Spain advance to World Cup final

BSS — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:38:56 +0600

France arrived in the World Cup semi-finals hailed as the most scintillating attacking force to grace the tournament since Brazil's fabled 1982 side. But like Zico, Eder, Falcao and Socrates before them, Kylian Mbappe and company found out the hard way that dazzling football is no guarantee of survival. A hitherto sparkling French campaign full of offensive pyrotechnics fizzled out like a dud... Details

France, Spain set for blockbuster World Cup semifinal

UNB — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:37:12 +0600

France and Spain will put their unbeaten records on the line when they face each other in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with only one team earning a place in Sunday's final. Both sides are playing in their 17th World Cup and neither has trailed in any match during this year's tournament. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, and Spain, inspired by teenage star Lamine... Details

The new rules behind World Cup decisions

UNB — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:59:10 +0600

It was another game-changing moment at the World Cup that had more to do with television replays in a room far away than a moment of brilliance on the field. The sending off of Switzerland's Breel Embolo in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina was the latest call that may have left fans scratching their heads, not least because of the confusing name of the newly implemented law that... Details

Argentina advance to World Cup semifinals

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:52:54 +0600

Julian Alvarez scored a stunning long-range goal in the 112th minute as defending champions Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to book a place in the World Cup semifinals on Saturday. Lautaro Martinez added another goal in the closing seconds of extra time, giving Argentina a more comfortable-looking victory than the closely contested match suggested. Argentina will now face... Details

Argentina, Switzerland level 1-1 after 90 minutes in WC quarterfinal

UNB — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:50:53 +0600

Argentina and Switzerland remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes in their FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, sending the match into extra time as the Swiss were reduced to 10 men following the late dismissal of Breel Embolo. Defending champions Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner. Switzerland drew level in the... Details

FIFA offers World Cup final pitch pieces for sale at $450 each

UNB — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:37:19 +0600

FIFA has begun selling pieces of the pitch that will be used in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, offering fans a chance to own a souvenir from the tournament for $450 per piece. GeographicReference The collectible, available through FIFA's official online store, contains an authentic fragment of the grass from the July 19 final, preserved in premium acrylic and... Details

France, Morocco kick off blockbuster World Cup quarter-finals

BSS — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:33:40 +0600

France take on Morocco on Thursday in a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final showdown as the largest and most logistically complex edition of the footballing showpiece ever staged enters the home straight. After a month of spellbinding action that has seen 280 goals scored in 96 matches, the expanded field of 48 has been whittled down to just eight teams who are dreaming of winning the title at... Details

Argentina produce epic World Cup fightback to beat Egypt

BSS — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:45:55 +0600

Argentina staged a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to avoid a stunning exit at the hands of Egypt and prolong Lionel Messi's World Cup career with a 3-2 win to reach the quarter-finals. The holders looked down and out when goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, either side of Messi having a penalty saved, put the Pharaohs in sight of a historic victory in Atlanta. However, Cristian... Details

Merino's late goal sends Spain into World Cup quarterfinals

UNB — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:32:08 +0600

Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to give Spain a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday, booking La Roja's place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career to an end. Merino, who came on as a substitute in the 85th minute, scored in the opening minute of second-half added time. After winning a free kick, he quickly... Details

Brazil journey is over: Neymar

UNB — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:05:57 +0600

Neymar said Sunday he is done playing for Brazil’s national team, making the announcement after he and his teammates were knocked out of the World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16. “I tried,” Neymar said. “It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over.” Neymar, 34, played his first game for Brazil on Aug. 10, 2010 —... Details

Haaland's double ends Brazil's World Cup dream

UNB — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:28:34 +0600

Erling Haaland headed in the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute and scored again before the end of regulation time, carrying Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a 2-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday that showcased the young striker on soccer’s biggest stage. Haaland, after being a nonfactor for much of the afternoon and having limited touches, turned it on when it... Details

France battle past Paraguay to set up Morocco WC showdown

BSS — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 09:29:55 +0600

Kylian Mbappe scored from the penalty spot as France overcame searing heat and stubborn defence to beat Paraguay 1-0 and set up a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Saturday. France captain Mbappe coolly stroked in a 70th-minute spot-kick to settle a tense duel with the tough-tackling Paraguayans in furnace-like conditions at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. The goal was... Details

Messi leads Argentina past Cape Verde in 3-2 extra-time thriller

UNB — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 10:52:31 +0600

Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic scare on Friday, edging Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Following the final whistle, Messi and his teammates showed visible relief after overcoming a spirited challenge from tournament debutants Cape Verde, who twice fought back to level the match before finally falling... Details

Portugal survive Croatia test, reach round of 16

UNB — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:11:05 +0600

Goncalo Ramos headed in the stoppage-time winner as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a wild finish that also included a Croatian goal disallowed for offside just before the final whistle in a World Cup round of 32 match on Thursday night. The game featured a matchup 40-somethings Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, in his sixth World Cup, and Croatia’s Luka Modrić, making his fifth bid for a... Details

Three die in Mexico City World Cup celebrations

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:01:21 +0600

A 19-year-old woman is among three people to have died from suffocation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City on Tuesday. A 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man also died after crowds descended on the city following the country's 2-0 victory over Ecuador, the capital's health authority said on Wednesday, reports the BBC. More than one million people took to the streets, mainly... Details

Heat wave threatens World Cup knockout matches

UNB — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:35:56 +0600

A powerful heat wave is expected to grip much of the central and eastern United States this week, bringing dangerously high temperatures to several cities hosting FIFA World Cup knockout matches and raising concerns for both players and fans. Forecasters say a strong heat dome will push temperatures and humidity to uncomfortable levels, with the heat index, or the "feels-like" temperature,... Details

Paraguay stun Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

UNB — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:38:22 +0600

Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time, securing a place in the Round of 16. The match at Foxborough, Massachusetts, remained deadlocked after 120 minutes before goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves in the shootout. José Canale then... Details

Messi first player to score in seven straight World Cup games

UNB — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:22:20 +0600

Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches after netting in Argentina's final Group J game against Jordan on Saturday, extending his all-time tournament scoring record. The 39-year-old scored his 19th World Cup goal in the 80th minute with a precise free kick after being fouled just outside the penalty area. His low strike slipped through two... Details

Congo make history with 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan

UNB — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:54:13 +0600

For 52 years, Congo secured a historic place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time with a 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday, setting up a Round of 32 clash against England. Making their first World Cup appearance since competing as Zaire in 1974, Congo recovered from an early setback after Eldor Shomurodov gave Uzbekistan the lead with a lobbed finish in the... Details

Why has Trump stayed away from the World Cup?

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:17:40 +0600

United States President Donald Trump was expected by many to regularly feature at the World Cup. But he is yet to attend a single match, despite the United States team winning two of their three group games and qualifying for the knockout stages. So is it a surprise? Why may he have stayed away? And will he appear before the final? BBC Sport takes a closer look. "My fellow Americans,... Details

Messi sets World Cup scoring record

UNB — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:54:30 +0600

Lionel Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals to set a new tournament scoring record as defending champions Argentina secured a place in the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday. Messi had an early chance to break the record in the ninth minute but sent his penalty kick wide of the right post. The Argentina captain made amends in the 38th minute when he capitalised... Details

Japan thrash Tunisia 4-0 as Ueda scores twice

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:56:57 +0600

Japan's Ayase Ueda, center, scores their fourth goal with a header against Tunisia during the World Cup Group F soccer match in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) Ayase Ueda struck twice as Japan hammered Tunisia 4-0 in their Group F match on Saturday, moving a step closer to reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the fourth... Details

Brazil cruise past Haiti to re-ignite World Cup campaign

BSS — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:17:30 +0600

Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil eased past Haiti 3-0 on Friday to breathe life into their World Cup campaign and close in on a spot in the last 32. After a much-criticised display in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, the five-time world champions underlined the gulf in class with outsiders Haiti, who became the first country to exit this World Cup. Cunha's scruffy goal in Philadelphia... Details

Australia hold off Bangladesh fightback to seal T20I series

UNB — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 18:18:01 +0600

Australia secured a seven-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I in Chattogram on Friday, defending a total of 196, to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series. Aaron Hardie held his nerve in a high-scoring final over, dismissing Bangladesh captain Towhid Hridoy for 35 off the final ball to restrict the hosts to 189 for 6. Bangladesh needed 23 runs from the final... Details

Brazil fans heed warning over Rocky statue at World Cup

UNB — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:55:22 +0600

Brazil fans who went the distance up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps to pose with the Rocky statue left the fictional fighter just as they found him. Every Brazilian fan — in Philadelphia to watch their team play Haiti on Friday at the World Cup — who stopped for a snapshot or a selfie with the 9-foot-11, 1,300-pound beast left the statue dressed in only his bronze trunks and... Details

Giant Argentina jersey adorns Mirpur

UNB — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:45:19 +0600

Football fever has swept through the capital, with a giant Argentina jersey drawing crowds in Mirpur's Ibrahimpur area during the FIFA World Cup. Measuring 40 feet by 30 feet, the blue-and-white jersey was erected by local Argentina supporters and has quickly become a popular attraction for football fans. Alif, one of the organisers, said the initiative aimed to express their passion for... Details

Messi's first WC hat trick powers Argentina to 3-0 win over Algeria

UNB — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:58:28 +0600

Lionel Messi scored the first World Cup hat trick of his career and moved level with Miroslav Klose atop the tournament's all-time scoring chart as defending champion Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in its opening Group J match on Tuesday night. Messi struck his first goal within minutes of kickoff after being set up by his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He added a... Details

Thousands watch Brazil’s WC match on big screen at DU

UNB — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:23:09 +0600

Thousands of football enthusiasts stayed up late at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University (DU) to watch Brazil’s FIFA World Cup match against Morocco, which kicked off at 4:00am on Sunday, on a giant screen, turning the area into a vibrant gathering spot for supporters of the five-time world champions. Fans from different parts of the capital flocked to the venue to cheer... Details

Why Shakira’s ‘Dai Dai’ can’t surpass ‘Waka Waka’ as FIFA World Cup anthem

UNB — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:53:11 +0600

Colombian superstar Shakira once again stole the spotlight at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, but her latest anthem ‘Dai Dai’ has already drawn inevitable comparisons with her legendary 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with thousands of fans gathering to witness the grand... Details

3 red cards mar Mexico-South Africa World Cup opener

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:41:13 +0600

The opening match of the World Cup delivered a rarity in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards. No World Cup match has had that many players ejected since a 2006 game between Portugal and the Netherlands, when four players received red cards — a World Cup record. The last World Cup in Qatar in 2022 had only four red cards in the entire tournament. On Thursday at... Details

World Cup fever grips Bangladesh

UNB — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:54:17 +0600

The FIFA World Cup kicks off tonight, and although Bangladesh is not among the participating nations, excitement surrounding football’s biggest event has reached fever pitch as always across the country of 170 million people. From bustling cities to remote neighborhoods, conversations revolve around one question: will Brazil, Argentina, France or Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal lift the... Details

World Cup fever grips Bangladesh

UNB — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:53:10 +0600

Tigers roar to maiden ODI series triumph over Australia

UNB — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:07:26 +0600

Bangladesh have made history at Mirpur on Thursday, securing their first-ever ODI series victory over Australia with a five-wicket win in the rain-affected second match. Following a lengthy weather delay that revised their target via the DLS method, the hosts chased down 192 runs in just 35 overs, sealing the three-match bilateral series with a game to spare. When the play resumed after the... Details

Historic 48-team FIFA World Cup begins today

UNB — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:50:12 +0600

The FIFA World Cup, the largest edition in the tournament’s history, officially begins today as 48 national teams start their quest for football’s most coveted trophy across the United States, Canada and Mexico. According to Associated Press reports, the opening day marks the start of a 39-day global football spectacle featuring 104 matches played across 16 stadiums in 16 cities,... Details

A World Cup guide for new football fans

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:31:15 +0600

It's difficult to miss the buzz and excitement surrounding the Fifa World Cup. Football (or soccer, as they call it in North America) is the world's most popular sport and the World Cup is the most prestigious prize of them all, BBC reports. For the first time in the tournament's nearly 100-year history, it will be jointly hosted by three countries - Mexico, Canada and the United States. The... Details

World Cup nears kickoff after pre-tournament turbulence

BSS — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:51:04 +0600

The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can rise above mounting anger at ticket prices and a US immigration crackdown that has seen fans, a top referee and team officials barred from the tournament. A record 48 teams and millions of fans are set to descend on the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first... Details

Nahid Rana, Mosaddek power Bangladesh to historic win over Australia

UNB — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:06:43 +0600

A fiery spell of high-pace bowling from youngster Nahid Rana after Mosaddek Hossain’s brilliant batting performance guided Bangladesh to a comprehensive 86-run victory over Australia under the DLS method in the first ODI at Mirpur on Tuesday. It marks Bangladesh's second ODI win against Australia, and their first since the historic 2005 triumph in Cardiff. Defending 284 for 8, the... Details

BTV to telecast FIFA World Cup 2026

BSS — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:56:16 +0600

The government has made an arrangement to telecast the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside several other partners through Bangladesh Television (BTV), Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said here. In a statement issued here today, the minister said the ministry would shortly provide official details to media outlets regarding the broadcasting arrangement. "I am very happy to... Details

Tamim Iqbal elected BCB president

BSS — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:44:13 +0600

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal was elected president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today after securing a convincing victory in the board directors' election held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Tamim, who had been serving as the head of the BCB's ad hoc committee for the past two months, first won a director's position from the Dhaka... Details

BCB election set for Sunday amid controversy, criticism

UNB — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:11:14 +0600

Amid mounting criticism over political infiltration and conflict of interest, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to hold its highly controversial election on Sunday. In a bid to defuse the growing backlash, BCB Ad-hoc Committee Chief Tamim Iqbal called on candidates to separate their personal backgrounds from their administrative responsibilities, urging them to leave their individual... Details

Hospitality jobs boom as US prepares for World Cup

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:59:17 +0600

The US economy created 172,000 jobs in May as pubs, bars and restaurants ramped up hiring ahead of the World Cup. They were primarily created in leisure and hospitality, local government, and health care, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), BBC reports. The figures cover the lead-up to this summer's tournament, being jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. Employment in... Details

FIFA introduces advanced offside technology

UNB — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:21:22 +0600

FIFA has announced a new generation of semi-automated offside technology for the 2026 World Cup, a move aimed at speeding up decisions and reducing the need for assistant referees to delay raising the offside flag. The upgraded system will work alongside the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and send a real-time audio alert to assistant referees when a player is more than 10 centimetres offside.... Details

List of squads, players announced so far

UNB — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:59:24 +0600

Countries have started to announce their 26-man squads for the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is the biggest yet, with 48 teams, and runs from 11 June to 19 July. You can see the squads below as they are announced. Group A Mexico: Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna). Defenders: Jorge Sanchez (PAOK),... Details

To counter bad light pause in Test, ICC to trial pink ball

UNB — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:12:43 +0600

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said this week that it will trial pink cricket balls in traditional Test matches to prevent play from being interrupted by fading light. The strategic shift addresses a persistent issue in the sport's longest format. While red balls become virtually invisible under murky skies, white limited-overs balls degrade too quickly to survive the rigorous demands... Details

Hundreds arrested in France after wild Champions League celebrations

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 31 May 2026 10:05:15 +0600

Clashes between football fans and police across France have led to more than 400 arrests following the victory of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League final against Arsenal. Thousands of officers were deployed to curb unrest that disrupted bus, train and rail services in the capital Paris, reports the BBC. Fireworks and flares were set off, while several police officers were... Details

High transport costs frustrate World Cup fans in US host cities

UNB — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:34:26 +0600

Football fans planning to attend World Cup matches in the United States are expressing frustration over high transportation costs, adding to already expensive tickets, flights and accommodation. In previous tournaments, host countries made travel easier and often free for fans. Germany’s 2006 World Cup, known as a “Summer Fairy Tale,” offered free public transport with match... Details

Bangladesh crush Pakistan in 2nd test to sweep series

BSS — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:35:17 +0600

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed a match-winning six-wicket haul as Bangladesh thrashed Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test, completing a dominant 2-0 series sweep at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today. The victory followed Bangladesh's 104-run triumph in the opening Test and marked their second successive Test series whitewash over Pakistan after also securing a 2-0 sweep in... Details

Mexico cancels plans to end school year early for World Cup

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:19:44 +0600

The Mexican government has cancelled plans to end the school year more than a month early to ease traffic during the Fifa World Cup and an anticipated heatwave. Mexico is due to co-host the football tournament with the United States and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, BBC reports. The reversal comes after an outcry by parents who warned that it would disrupt their children's studies. Many... Details

BCB names Women’s T20 World Cup squad

UNB — Sun, 10 May 2026 15:39:46 +0600

Nigar Sultana Joty will lead Bangladesh at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad on Sunday. The 15-member team, featuring Vice Captain Nahida Akter, are scheduled to depart for Edinburgh on May 25. Before the tournament begins, the Tigresses will compete in a tri-nation series against Scotland and the... Details

Man City vs Arsenal set for title-defining match

UNB — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:08:33 +0600

It's a huge day in the Premier League title race, with Arsenal travelling to Manchester City in a meeting between the top two. A win for Arsenal and the long-time league leaders will regain a nine-point advantage, leaving them in a strong position to become English champions for the first time since 2004. A win for City and the gap would be reduced to three points. City would also have a game... Details

Bangladesh lose early wickets in pursuit of 249 vs NZ

UNB — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:42:57 +0600

Bangladesh reached 51 for two after 10 overs in pursuit of a 248-run target against New Zealand, following a brief top-order collapse sparked by fast bowler Nathan Smith. New Zealand posted 247 for eight in their allotted 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first, anchored by half-centuries from Henry Nicholls and Dean Foxcroft. In the chase, Bangladesh encountered immediate... Details

BCB launches ‘Captains’ Card’

UNB — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:31:05 +0600

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) introduced a "Captains’ Card" on Thursday, granting former national team leaders lifetime access to all board events and comprehensive medical benefits. BCB ad-hoc committee president Tamim Iqbal distributed the cards during a ceremony at a Dhaka hotel Tamim, who received his own card from former captain Shafiqul Haq Heera, said the initiative was... Details

Tamim-led BCB awards major pay rise to domestic cricketers

UNB — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:31:45 +0600

Bangladesh's domestic cricketers, particularly the women, have received a significant financial boost as the newly formed BCB ad-hoc committee announced its first major decision on Thursday. The move comes after new board chief Tamim Iqbal was reportedly shocked to learn about the current pay structure for female players. Until recently, women in the domestic circuit were earning a match fee... Details

BCB reschedules Bangladesh-New Zealand series

UNB — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:18:43 +0600

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has advanced the match timings for the upcoming home series against New Zealand and the Sri Lanka women’s team as part of a national effort to conserve fuel and electricity. Under the revised schedule announced on Thursday, the One Day International (ODI) matches will begin at 11 a.m. local time, instead of the previously scheduled 3 p.m. The Twenty20... Details

BCB Board dissolution ‘constitutional coup’: Aminul

UNB — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:23:07 +0600

Ousted Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam has categorically rejected the government’s decision to dissolve his elected committee, branding the move a "constitutional coup" and urgently appealing to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to intervene against “state interference”. In a strongly worded statement released hours after the National Sports Council (NSC) ousted his... Details

BCB board dissolved, Tamim appointed as interim head

UNB — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:18:10 +0600

The National Sports Council (NSC) dissolved the elected board of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday following an investigation that uncovered, according to the NSC, widespread fraud, coercion, and government interference during the last election. Former national captain Tamim Iqbal has been appointed to lead an 11-member ad-hoc committee to steer the organization. NSC Sports... Details

PM greets Bangladesh U-20 football team

BSS — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:28:56 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the Bangladesh U-20 football team for their victory over India in the SAFF U-20 Championship. Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said the premier extended his heartfelt congratulations to all players, coaches and officials of the Bangladesh U-20 football team over the historic victory in the SAFF U-20 Championship. “Driven... Details

PM urges players to focus on sports careers

UNB — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:22:05 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged professional players not to associate themselves with any political party or group, asking them instead to represent the country through their sporting excellence. “In your professional sporting careers, you should not belong to any political party or group; rather, represent the country through your sporting excellence,” he said while... Details

Six Bangladesh cricketers cleared for PSL

UNB — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:45:46 +0600

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cleared six national team players to compete in the upcoming Pakistan Super League on Monday, issuing No Objection Certificates after the government concluded there were no visible security threats in the host country. The board said it consulted extensively with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Bangladesh mission in... Details

Bangladesh clinches ODI series with 11-run win vs Pakistan

UNB — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:53:26 +0600

Bangladesh secured a 11-run victory over Pakistan in the series-deciding third ODI on Sunday, claiming the three-match series 2-1 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Defending a target of 291, Bangladesh dismissed Pakistan for 279 on the final ball of the innings, with spinner Rishad Hossain conceding just two runs and executing a stumping in a tense final over. "This is a massive series... Details

BCB announces ticket prices for Pakistan ODI series

UNB — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:28:08 +0600

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday released the ticket price list for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with prices starting at 200BDT. Tickets will be available exclusively through the board's official website -www.gobcbticket.com- The lowest price point is set at 200 BDT for the Eastern Gallery, while the highest price is 2,000 BDT for the Grand Stand. Other... Details

New Zealand knock hosts Sri Lanka out of T20 WC race

UNB — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:41:00 +0600

Co-host Sri Lanka were knocked out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Wednesday after suffering a 61-run loss to New Zealand. A counterattacking seventh-wicket stand of 80 runs between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie rescued New Zealand from a difficult position and set up the decisive victory. After Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to bowl, New Zealand were... Details

Brook’s maiden T20 century powers England into WC semifinals

UNB — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:06:11 +0600

Harry Brook struck his first Twenty20 international century as England edged Pakistan by two wickets on Tuesday, sealing a place in a record fifth successive T20 World Cup semifinal. Brook, who had endured a quiet tournament until then, was promoted from No. 5 to No. 3 following a suggestion from coach Brendon McCullum earlier in the day. He made the change count, powering England to 166 for 8... Details

Arsenal expose Spurs flaws in derby win

UNB — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:28:32 +0600

Arsenal showed superior quality and smart tactics to beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the north London derby on Sunday, taking full advantage of gaps in the home side’s system. Arsenal took control by attacking mainly down the right flank, where Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber caused constant trouble. Their movement and understanding stretched Tottenham’s defence and led to key... Details

How football is helping girls fight against forced marriage

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:41:25 +0600

One hot summer evening when Nisha Vaishnav was 14, she and her 18-year-old sister Munna were at football practice when they noticed five adult strangers taking photos of them. Nisha soon found out why they were there - the group were from the same family and included a couple looking for a wife for their son, BBC reports. Nisha's mother, who was also present, was keen to encourage the... Details

India crushes Pakistan by 61 runs as WC scenario heats up

UNB — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:46:38 +0600

India has stormed into the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The emphatic win guarantees India the top spot in Group A with three consecutive victories, while leaving Pakistan facing a do-or-die scenario in their final group match. Despite the intense buildup, which saw black-market... Details

PCB mediates reconciliation between ICC, BCB

UNB — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:35:09 +0600

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will face no punitive measures for its decision to boycott the ongoing T20 World Cup. In a surprising gesture of reconciliation, the global governing body also revealed that Bangladesh will be awarded the hosting rights for a global tournament prior to the 2031 ODI World Cup. The decision was... Details

Ronaldo misses back-to-back games for Al-Nassr

UNB — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:05:49 +0600

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second straight match for Al-Nassr as questions continue over his future at the Saudi club. Al-Nassr beat rivals Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, scoring two late goals through former Liverpool star Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel. Ronaldo was not included in the squad for the match. During the game, some home supporters showed their backing for the... Details

Man City beat Newcastle to set up League Cup final clash with Arsenal

UNB — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:16:09 +0600

Manchester City booked their place in the English League Cup final with a comfortable 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Wednesday, sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory in the semifinals. The result sets up a blockbuster final against Arsenal, meaning the Premier League’s top two sides will face off at Wembley Stadium on March 22. The League Cup will be the first major trophy decided this... Details

Winter Olympics 2026: Key stats and insights in six charts

UNB — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:39:40 +0600

The 25th Winter Olympics is almost here, returning to Europe with a record 116 medal events, including three in the new sport of ski mountaineering. Here’s what you need to know about Milan-Cortina 2026. Britain eyes historic Winter Games Great Britain has never won more than five medals – or more than one gold – at a single Winter Olympics, but 2026 could change that. UK... Details

ICC warns PCB of legal and financial fallout

UNB — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:49 +0600

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cautioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it could face legal action from the T20 World Cup’s official broadcasters, JioStar, over Pakistan’s decision to boycott its February 15 match against India, a PCB source said on Tuesday. Pakistan decided not to play the high-profile match in Colombo following instructions from its... Details

Pakistan confirms WC participation but to boycott India match

UNB — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:54:14 +0600

Pakistan has announced that although its national team will take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, it will boycott the high-profile group-stage match against India, a decision expected to stir strong reactions in the cricketing world. The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement in the tournament but deals a massive blow to the event's... Details

ICC rejects accreditation for Bangladeshi journos

UNB — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:53:17 +0600

The diplomatic fallout between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh has extended to the press box, with the global body denying accreditation to all Bangladeshi journalists for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The decision effectively creates a media blackout for Bangladesh at the tournament, barring reporters from covering matches in both host nations, India and Sri Lanka. A... Details

ICC replace Bangladesh with Scotland

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 18:03:29 +0600

It is now official: Scotland have replaced Bangladesh in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, starting in India and Sri Lanka on February 7. It was inevitable after the International Cricket Council (ICC) gave the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a 24-hour deadline a couple of days back, and on Saturday (January 24) finally cracked the whip. It was only a matter of time before Bangladesh... Details

Tanzid’s record-making century powers Rajshahi to 174 in BPL final

UNB — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 21:26:24 +0600

A century from opener Tanzid Hasan has powered the Rajshahi Warriors to a big 174 for 4 in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final, setting a daunting 175-run target for the Chattogram Royals. Tanzid’s 100 off 62 balls was the centerpiece of the innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, marking only the third century in BPL final history. Asked to bat first by Chattogram captain... Details

Bangladesh cites security concerns, rules out World Cup in India

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:49:28 +0600

The Bangladesh government has officially confirmed that the national cricket team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing ‘genuine security risks' amidst a volatile regional political climate. The announcement made by the Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, on Thursday, effectively defies the ultimatum set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) just a day earlier.... Details

Ireland rejects group swap, Pakistan sides with BCB

UNB — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:18:14 +0600

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has escalated to a new level, with Pakistan media reporting that the country may review its own participation in the tournament if Bangladesh's security concerns regarding India remain unresolved. The move follows a formal request for support from the Bangladesh government, prompting Islamabad to warn that failing to address... Details

Late-night deal ends standoff: BPL resumes today

UNB — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:58:47 +0600

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to resume on Friday after a successful late-night negotiation between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the players, ending the boycott that stalled the tournament on Thursday. The breakthrough was announced by BPL Governing Council Member Secretary Iftekhar Rahman and CWAB President Mohammad Mithun following a meeting at the BCB office in... Details

FIFA World Cup trophy arrives in Dhaka

UNB — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:36:03 +0600

The glittering FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. The trophy, accompanied by Brazilian 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and FIFA ambassador Gilberto da Silva, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:00 am. Tabith Mohammed Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), received the trophy at the... Details

BCB bins ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour

UNB — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:37:52 +0600

The uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 has deepened after a high-stakes video conference between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday. Despite the global body’s request to reconsider the boycott, the BCB remained firm in its decision not to travel to... Details

ICC to BCB: Play in India or forfeit points

UNB — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:03:24 +0600

Cricket news site ESPNcricinfo has learned that in a virtual call on Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) told the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that it was rejecting the latter's request to play Bangladesh's T20 World Cup matches outside India due to security concerns. The ICC is understood to have told the BCB that Bangladesh will need to travel to India to play the... Details