United News of Bangladesh

Team formations have become a major talking point at the World Cup, with coaches using a variety of tactical setups to get the best out of their players and counter their opponents. While every team starts with a goalkeeper, coaches have different ways of arranging their 10 outfield players. These formations, often represented by numbers such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, indicate how players are positioned across defence, midfield and attack. According to FIFA match reports, nine different formations were used during the opening round of group-stage matches. The traditional 4-4-2 system, featuring four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards, was the most widely used formation, adopted by 12 teams. However, it produced only two wins, with Scotland defeating Haiti and Ivory Coast beating Ecuador. Brazil, Uruguay and co-host Canada were among the teams using the setup. The 4-2-3-1 formation, which includes two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders and a lone striker, was used by 10 teams. The system proved successful for the United States, England, France and Austria. Another effective formation was the attack-minded 4-1-2-3, used by eight teams. It produced four victories, including wins for Mexico, Norway, Ghana and Colombia. Spain and the Netherlands also adopted the setup, which places greater emphasis on attacking play with three forwards. Seven teams opted for a 3-4-3 formation, designed to balance defence and attack through a strong midfield. South Korea and Germany were the only winners using this system, with Germany recording the tournament’s biggest win so far by defeating Curacao 7-1. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, used the well-known 4-3-3 formation to beat Algeria 3-0, with Messi scoring all three goals. The system, once famously used by Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team, remains popular for its attacking flexibility. The defensive 5-3-2 formation was used by South Africa, Tunisia and Congo. While South Africa and Tunisia lost, Congo managed an impressive 1-1 draw against Portugal. The Czech Republic was the only team to use a 5-2-3 setup, but suffered defeat against South Korea. Australia found success with a defensive 5-4-1 formation, defeating Turkey by prioritising solidity at the back. Meanwhile, Sweden used a 3-4-1-2 formation to secure a 5-1 victory over Tunisia. The system includes an attacking midfielder positioned behind two strikers to help link defence and attack. Football analysts note that many coaches now adjust formations depending on opponents or match situations, often changing tactics during games to protect leads or chase results.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Congo in their opening match of the World Cup on Wednesday. Congo, making its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, earned an impressive result against European opposition, becoming the second African team to make a strong start to the tournament after Cape Verde's goalless draw against Spain on Monday. "The World Cup is a tournament where this happens," Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said. "At times the performance is not up to the challenge." Playing before a crowd of 68,777 at NRG Stadium, largely made up of Portugal supporters, Congo secured the first World Cup point in its history after losing all three of its previous matches at the tournament. Many Congolese supporters were unable to travel to the United States because of restrictions related to Ebola concerns. "There was not enough blue in the stands, but the players are tough and they know how to overcome challenges," Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said. "I'm sure many Congolese people are proud of their team today." Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when João Neves headed home a cross from Pedro Neto. However, Congo equalised deep into first-half stoppage time as Yoane Wissa headed in a cross from Arthur Masuaku, sparking celebrations among the Congo supporters present. It was Congo's first-ever World Cup goal. "It's crazy," Wissa said. "Fifty-two years later we are here, we are back. It's been long, it's been difficult. Scoring that goal means a lot for all Congolese people, for me, my family and the fans." Congo's only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire and lost all three group-stage matches against Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil. "The goal changed things," Martínez said. "We almost felt the fear of not losing the game." Portugal struggled to find a winner despite several chances. Ronaldo missed opportunities in the 68th and 73rd minutes, sending both efforts wide of the right post. Asked whether he considered substituting Ronaldo, Martínez dismissed the idea. "It makes no sense to take off the world's top scorer when you need goals," he said. "Cristiano's experience in the box is important, and the way he attracts defenders is important." Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, surpassing the mark set by Canada's Atiba Hutchinson four years ago. The Portuguese star also joined Lionel Messi as the only players to appear in six World Cups. Messi, who scored a hat trick for Argentina on Tuesday, and Ronaldo are now the only players to have played in six editions of the tournament. Ronaldo still has the opportunity to become the first player to score in six different World Cups. Portugal came close again in the closing stages, but Bruno Fernandes sent a shot wide in the 90th minute. João Cancelo thought he had restored Portugal's lead in the 55th minute with an acrobatic bicycle kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. At the other end, Cédric Bakambu nearly put Congo ahead, only to see his effort strike the near post. Among those attending the match were the parents of Diogo Jota, the Portugal international who died alongside his brother in a car accident last summer. They watched the game from a luxury suite at the stadium.

Harry Kane scored twice to equal England's all-time World Cup scoring record, while Jude Bellingham netted the decisive goal as England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener on Wednesday. Kane's brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, matching the record set by Gary Lineker during the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. Bellingham's goal early in the second half put England ahead for good, while Marcus Rashford added another late strike to secure the victory. The match was a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal, won by Croatia, and saw both teams exchange goals throughout the first half. Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Croatian midfielder Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke in the box. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic initially saved the penalty, but a VAR review showed he had moved off his line before the kick was taken, leading to a retake. Kane converted the second attempt with ease. Croatia equalised in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina, whose shot into the left corner beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford despite getting a hand to the ball. Kane restored England's lead with a powerful header from a Declan Rice corner, but Croatia struck again on the final play of the first half when Petar Musa converted from close range after connecting with a header from Ivan Perisic. England regained control shortly after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Bellingham collected a long pass from Elliot Anderson, broke clear of the defence and finished confidently past Livakovic, with the ball going in off the far post. The Real Madrid midfielder nearly added another goal moments later, but Livakovic made several key saves during a sustained spell of English pressure. Rashford sealed the win in the 85th minute after being set up by Bukayo Saka. The forward entered the penalty area, feinted a shot with his left foot and calmly scored with his right for his 19th international goal. England coach Thomas Tuchel praised his players' response after Croatia's late first-half equaliser. "I encouraged them to go for it, to play with more courage, to be brave and be ourselves," Tuchel said. "I loved their reaction." Kane said Tuchel's halftime message urged the players to play without fear after conceding just before the break. The Bayern Munich striker now has 81 international goals for England. For Croatia, the match marked another milestone for veteran captain Luka Modric, who became the first Croatian player to appear in five World Cups. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic acknowledged England's quality, saying his side created some good chances but struggled defensively against a strong opponent. England will face Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, while Croatia take on Panama in Toronto on the same day.

As reigning champions Argentina national football team began their World Cup title defence on Tuesday, supporters turned out in extraordinary numbers, spending heavily and travelling thousands of miles to follow their team. For many fans, distance, cost and exhaustion were no barrier. Three supporters cycled nearly 17,700 kilometres from South America to Kansas City without even having match tickets. Others drove for about 20 hours, surviving on simple meals to cut expenses. One long-time supporter, 73-year-old Daniel Otero, said he is attending his seventh World Cup and is spending nearly $100,000 to watch Argentina across the tournament with his two sons. “We are crazy for Argentina,” he said. “That’s why we spend so much money to see our national team.” Their dedication was rewarded as Argentina opened its campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria. Star forward Lionel Messi scored all three goals, further fuelling excitement that this may be his final World Cup appearance as he turns 39 next week. Fans compared Argentina’s global following to iconic sports dynasties. One supporter said the team’s popularity with Messi is similar to the Chicago Bulls era led by Michael Jordan, noting the striker’s worldwide influence. Many travelling fans said they are following the team across multiple matches, with some estimating costs of tens of thousands of dollars for the journey. Supporters also expressed admiration for Messi’s long-standing impact on the national team, with many saying they cannot imagine Argentina without him. In and around the stadium, the atmosphere reflected deep emotional connection to the team. Fans waved flags, wore Messi jerseys and gathered around a travelling supporters’ band known as ‘Los Sin Entradas’, which performed outside the venue with drums and banners declaring “I love you, Lio.” An 11-year-old fan from Miami, whose family has Argentine roots, said he feels closely connected to the country because of Messi and regularly travels there to visit relatives. The group of travelling musicians said they plan to follow Argentina to upcoming matches in Dallas and beyond, depending on where the team advances. Local organisers in Kansas City said they have been impressed by the extreme lengths fans have gone to attend matches, including cyclists who arrived without tickets but were later helped by locals to secure entry. Many other supporters arrived days in advance, some driving long distances and staying in budget accommodation to afford tickets, which can cost hundreds of dollars. One fan, who was born in Argentina but now lives in the United States, said attending the World Cup felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially with Argentina holding the title. “We’re the last champions,” she said, describing the emotional pull of watching her national team on football’s biggest stage.

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 second goal early in the second half before completing his hat trick shortly before being substituted, receiving a standing ovation from a crowd dominated by Argentina supporters. The goals came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also scored. His tally now stands at 16 World Cup goals, matching the career record held by Germany's Miroslav Klose. The victory gave Argentina a far smoother start than it experienced at the previous World Cup in Qatar. In 2022, La Albiceleste suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match before recovering to win their third world title. Messi, who will turn 39 next week, showed no signs of the minor hamstring problem that had raised concerns before the tournament. He came close to scoring two more goals against Algeria. One effort found the net but was ruled out for a marginal offside decision, while another shot in the second half sailed just over the crossbar. The Argentine captain also contributed defensively as Argentina comfortably contained an Algerian side that struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Algeria's best chance came in the opening minutes when Fares Chaibi appeared to score, only for a VAR review to rule the goal out for offside. Moments later, Messi opened the scoring, and Argentina went on to control the match. The game at Arrowhead Stadium carried special significance for Kansas City's soccer community, fulfilling a long-held vision of the late Lamar Hunt. Hunt, founder of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, played a major role in the growth of soccer in the United States from the 1960s through the early 2000s and helped bring the 1994 World Cup to the country. His sons, Clark Hunt and Dan Hunt, have also been actively involved in preparations for this World Cup. Among the spectators on a pleasant evening in Kansas City were Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany. Mahomes traded his familiar red-and-yellow football attire for a blue sweatsuit and white shirt while watching the match. Argentina will continue its bid for consecutive World Cup titles when it faces Austria in Arlington, Texas, on Monday before taking on Jordan on June 27. Algeria will play Jordan in Santa Clara, California, on Monday and then meet Austria in its final Group J match on June 27 in Kansas City.

Lionel Messi scored the first World Cup hat trick of his career and matched Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record on Tuesday night, giving Argentina fans at Arrowhead Stadium an unforgettable performance in their team's match against Algeria. Messi opened the scoring in the early minutes after receiving a well-placed pass from his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He added his second goal shortly after the start of the second half and completed his hat trick moments before being substituted, leaving the field to a standing ovation from the crowd. The achievement came exactly 20 years after Messi made his World Cup debut for Argentina against Serbia and Montenegro, a match in which he also scored. With Tuesday's goals, Messi became only the second player in history to score in five different World Cup editions. The Argentine captain now has 16 World Cup goals from six tournament appearances, equalling Klose's long-standing record. With several matches still ahead, Messi appears well positioned to break the mark in the coming weeks. It was the 61st hat trick of Messi's professional career and his 11th for Argentina. He has now scored in five consecutive World Cup matches. Messi's performance overshadowed impressive displays by two other global stars on the same day. France forward Kylian Mbappé scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal and moved into a tie for fourth place on the World Cup scoring list with 14 goals. Norway striker Erling Haaland also netted twice in his team's 4-1 win over Iraq. The Argentine star, who turns 39 next week, had been managing a minor hamstring problem during his time with Inter Miami before the World Cup. However, he showed no signs of discomfort in a warm-up match against Iceland last week, where he scored from the penalty spot during a 20-minute appearance. Tuesday's match against Algeria marked the 200th international appearance of Messi's career, which began in 2005 when he was 18 years old. Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to earn his 229th cap on Wednesday, and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa, who finished with 202 appearances, have played more international matches. Argentina is one of four national teams using the Kansas City metropolitan area as its World Cup base camp. Since the team's arrival around two weeks ago, enthusiasm surrounding Messi has swept across the region. On match day, thousands of supporters wearing Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey filled the home stadium of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, singing songs in support of the football legend from Rosario. At a separate watch party in downtown Kansas City's Power & Light District, former NFL quarterback and current Fox broadcaster Jameis Winston appeared on stage alongside a goat dressed in an Argentina jersey, a playful reference to Messi's status as the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT). The lighthearted scene appeared to foreshadow Messi's historic night. With every World Cup goal he scores, the argument that he is football's greatest-ever player continues to gain strength.

The streets of Chuadanga turned into a vibrant sea of sky-blue and white as thousands of football fans brought out a  procession carrying a 2,000-foot-long Argentina flag, marking the growing excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The grand rally began Tuesday afternoon from the Town Football Field in the district town. It then paraded through major roads including Shaheed Hasan Chattar (Chourasta intersection), Court Mor and College Road before returning to the starting point. Supporters from different parts of the district joined the procession. Participants also carried Argentina jerseys, national flags of Bangladesh and Argentina, banners and festoons, while chanting slogans in support of their favourite team. The festive atmosphere was further amplified by World Cup-themed songs and rhythmic drumbeats, as fans celebrated the global football spectacle with enthusiasm and energy.  

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday dropped a strong hint that he supports England in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, though he stopped short of naming his favourite team. He gave the hint while responding to a question from senior journalist Sumon Mahmud while exchanging views with reporters covering the BNP beat after having lunch with them at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre at Agargaon. As the journalist asked which team he supports in the World Cup, Tarique Rahman offered a light-hearted and diplomatic reply. Without naming any team directly, he smiled and said, “I spent a long time in one country. You can understand.” He then turned to the journalist and asked, “You got your answer, didn't you?” The remark was widely interpreted as a reference to England, where Tarique Rahman lived for nearly 17 years. Tarique Rahman left Bangladesh in September 2008 for medical treatment after securing bail from the Supreme Court. He later settled in London with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman. After spending 17 years abroad, he returned to Bangladesh with his family on December 25, 2025. Football fever has gripped Bangladesh following the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament officially kicked off on June 11 with an opening ceremony and the first match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. A record 48 teams are taking part in the 39-day tournament, which will conclude with the final in New York on July 19. England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in the early hours of June 18 (Bangladesh time), a match that is expected to draw much interest among local football fans.

Call it Cabo Verde or Cape Verde, the island nation carries a fitting nickname in football circles—Tubarões Azuis, the Blue Sharks. On Monday night, however, it was not their bite in attack but their resilience in defence that left a mark, as they stunned powerhouse Spain with a memorable goalless draw. Spain, ranked second in the FIFA rankings, dominated possession with 74 percent of the ball and launched 27 attacks throughout the match. Yet they could not find the back of the net they desperately sought. As a result, La Roja, kicked off their World Cup campaign with the heavy tag of ‘title contenders’, were forced to leave the pitch with an unexpected goalless draw. Making their maiden appearance on the world stage, this result against a powerhouse like Spain is nothing short of a victory for Cape Verde. At the heart of this historic achievement stood one man—their 40-year-old goalkeeper, Josimar Dias Vozinha. The architect behind Cape Verde’s remarkable rise is Pedro Leitao Brito, better known as Bubista. The 70-year-old coach guided the team to the World Cup for the first time in history. On the grandest stage of all, the tactician proved precisely why he was crowned the CAF Coach of the Year in 2025. By orchestrating such a disciplined defensive blueprint against a powerhouse like Spain, he effectively checkmated Luis de la Fuente on the tactical chessboard.

Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup so far, holding tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw in the island nation's first-ever appearance at football's biggest stage. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero for Cape Verde, delivering an outstanding performance at the age of 40 to frustrate the European champions throughout the match. The underdogs even came close to securing a famous victory late on, but Diney Borges' header was brilliantly saved by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. Spain, packed with world-class talent, dominated much of the game but struggled to break down Cape Verde's disciplined defence. Vozinha made a series of crucial saves, particularly in the first half, to keep the score level. Spain's best chance before the break fell to Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, whose powerful effort struck the crossbar. Torres later tested Vozinha again, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task. Vozinha also denied midfielder Pedri and made another important save late in the first half as Spain continued to push for an opener. Cape Verde, an Atlantic island nation with a population of around 500,000, is making its World Cup debut and showed little sign of being overwhelmed by the occasion. Spain, the 2010 World Cup champions, are seeking a second world title. However, coach Luis de la Fuente had warned before the match that Cape Verde could emerge as one of the surprise teams of the tournament. The African side continued to defend resolutely after the break, and even the introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal failed to help Spain find a breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed a memorable result for Cape Verde and a disappointing start for one of the tournament's favourites.