United News of Bangladesh

FIFA has overhauled the 2026 World Cup draw format to ensure the four highest-ranked teams  like Spain, Argentina, France and England avoid each other until the semifinals, provided they top their groups. The draw, set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will use a tennis-style bracket system for the first time. FIFA confirmed Tuesday that the new format rewards top-ranked sides by placing them in separate pathways for the 48-team tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The change means defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and European champions Spain, inspired by Lamine Yamal, can only meet in the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, if both win their respective groups. “To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semifinals have been established,” FIFA said in a statement, aiming to reward teams whose consistent good results have raised their world ranking. Unlike previous World Cups where knockout paths were tied to group allocation, the new approach fixes the bracket in advance. This year’s draw will place 48 teams into four pots before assigning them to 12 groups of four. A full, updated match schedule, with stadiums and kickoff times, will be released on December 6. The ceremony will last about 90 minutes, with the draw itself taking an estimated 45 minutes. As hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States enter Pot 1, joined by the nine highest-ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Forty-two teams have already qualified, including Iran and Haiti, which FIFA expects to play as drawn despite political sensitivities with the U.S. The tournament will span 16 venues across the three host nations, including 11 NFL stadiums in the U.S. The remaining six entrants will be decided in March through European and intercontinental playoffs. Those teams will enter Pot 4, the lowest-ranked tier, meaning four-time champions Italy could prove a dangerous wildcard next week when the final placing draw is made. Host nations will be marked with different colored balls: Mexico as A1 (green ball), Canada as B1 (red ball), and USA as D1 (blue ball). The other nine Pot 1 teams will automatically be assigned to position 1 in their respective groups. Pot 2 features the next 12 teams: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Pot 3 includes Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Pot 4 contains Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand and the six playoff winners. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn together, except for Europe, which will have 16 representatives, forcing four groups to include two UEFA nations. To maintain bracket balance, Spain (rank 1) and Argentina (rank 2) will be placed in opposite pathways. The same applies to France (rank 3) and England (rank 4), ensuring the top sides stay separated until late. For the host schedules, the USA, placed in Group D, will open on June 12 in Inglewood against a Pot 3 team, then face a Pot 2 opponent in Seattle on June 19, and finish against a Pot 4 side back in Inglewood. Mexico, in Group A, will kick off the tournament on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca against a Pot 3 team, then play a Pot 2 team on June 18 in Guadalajara, before returning to Mexico City for their final group match against a Pot 4 opponent. Canada starts on June 12 in Toronto against a Pot 4 team, then moves to Vancouver for matches against Pot 3 and Pot 2 sides. World Cup draw pots: Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff A, B, C, D, FIFA Playoff Tournament 1 and 2 Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.    

FIFA has overhauled the 2026 World Cup draw format to ensure the four highest-ranked teams  like Spain, Argentina, France and England avoid each other until the semifinals, provided they top their groups. The draw, set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will use a tennis-style bracket system for the first time. FIFA confirmed Tuesday that the new format rewards top-ranked sides by placing them in separate pathways for the 48-team tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The change means defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and European champions Spain, inspired by Lamine Yamal, can only meet in the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, if both win their respective groups. “To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semifinals have been established,” FIFA said in a statement, aiming to reward teams whose consistent good results have raised their world ranking. Unlike previous World Cups where knockout paths were tied to group allocation, the new approach fixes the bracket in advance. This year’s draw will place 48 teams into four pots before assigning them to 12 groups of four. A full, updated match schedule, with stadiums and kickoff times, will be released on December 6. The ceremony will last about 90 minutes, with the draw itself taking an estimated 45 minutes. As hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States enter Pot 1, joined by the nine highest-ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Forty-two teams have already qualified, including Iran and Haiti, which FIFA expects to play as drawn despite political sensitivities with the U.S. The tournament will span 16 venues across the three host nations, including 11 NFL stadiums in the U.S. The remaining six entrants will be decided in March through European and intercontinental playoffs. Those teams will enter Pot 4, the lowest-ranked tier, meaning four-time champions Italy could prove a dangerous wildcard next week when the final placing draw is made. Host nations will be marked with different colored balls: Mexico as A1 (green ball), Canada as B1 (red ball), and USA as D1 (blue ball). The other nine Pot 1 teams will automatically be assigned to position 1 in their respective groups. Pot 2 features the next 12 teams: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Pot 3 includes Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Pot 4 contains Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand and the six playoff winners. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn together, except for Europe, which will have 16 representatives, forcing four groups to include two UEFA nations. To maintain bracket balance, Spain (rank 1) and Argentina (rank 2) will be placed in opposite pathways. The same applies to France (rank 3) and England (rank 4), ensuring the top sides stay separated until late. For the host schedules, the USA, placed in Group D, will open on June 12 in Inglewood against a Pot 3 team, then face a Pot 2 opponent in Seattle on June 19, and finish against a Pot 4 side back in Inglewood. Mexico, in Group A, will kick off the tournament on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca against a Pot 3 team, then play a Pot 2 team on June 18 in Guadalajara, before returning to Mexico City for their final group match against a Pot 4 opponent. Canada starts on June 12 in Toronto against a Pot 4 team, then moves to Vancouver for matches against Pot 3 and Pot 2 sides. World Cup draw pots: Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff A, B, C, D, FIFA Playoff Tournament 1 and 2 Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.  

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has announced a 28-man squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the United States, featuring a mix of World Cup veterans and promising newcomers. The call-ups follow Argentina’s successful conclusion to their South American qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which they topped with a commanding 38 points from 18 matches. Debut call-ups and recalls Scaloni introduced several surprises in his latest selection, handing out first-ever senior national team call-ups to three players. They are: midfielder Aníbal Moreno (28), who plays for Brazilian club Palmeiras; defender Lautaro Rivero (21) from Argentine club River Plate; and goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses (28), who represents Racing Club. In addition to the debutants, defender Marcos Senesi (28) has been recalled to the squad after a long absence. The defender, who has only played once for the national team back in June 2022, will be looking to earn his second cap in Albiceleste colors. Midfielder Enzo Fernández also returns to the squad after serving a two-match suspension during the World Cup qualifiers. Fixtures and Captain’s status The reigning world champions will travel to the United States for two friendlies. They will face Venezuela on October 10 at Miami Gardens in Florida, and then play Puerto Rico on October 13 at Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago. Captain Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul have both been included in the squad for those games, but their participation in the first friendly against Venezuela is uncertain. Inter Miami, the club for both players, has a key MLS home match against Atlanta United the very next day, October 11. Inter Miami are currently locked in a battle for the Supporters’ Shield and a top spot on the Eastern Conference table for playoff home-field advantage. Currently fourth in the East with 56 points, Miami needs to win their three remaining league matches, and hope the Philadelphia Union lose their final two games, to clinch the Supporters’ Shield. When asked about the possibility of Messi and De Paul featuring in the October 10 match against Venezuela, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was non-committal on Friday, stating, “We are discussing the matter right now; you will know soon.” Inter Miami’s Telasco Segovia was also called up to the Venezuela squad for the friendly. Full Argentina Squad Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, Facundo Cambeses Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Lautaro Rivero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Anibal Moreno, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Paz, Giovanni Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Franco Mastantuono Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez

Bangladesh booked their place in the SAFF U-17 Championship final defeating Pakistan 2-0 in Thursday’s first semi-final at Colombo Racecourse Ground. The defending finalists struck twice in the space of a minute in the first half to seize control of the match. Nazmul Huda Faisal opened the scoring before Apu Rahman doubled the lead moments later. This sudden, overwhelming flurry of goals in the opening minutes effectively decided the contest, leaving Pakistan with a steep mountain to climb for the remainder of the game. Bangladesh, who advanced to the last four as group champions, began aggressively and capitalised on a costly blunder from Pakistan goalkeeper Samar Razzak in just the third minute. Razzak’s poor throw gifted possession to Apu whose misdirected pass ricocheted off a defender and fell to Faisal. With the keeper stranded, Faisal slotted into an empty net. The momentum carried forward immediately, as Apu made amends with a sharp strike that pierced through two defenders and slipped past the diving Razzak to make it 2-0. In the second half, Bangladesh focused on maintaining their lead, while Pakistan failed to stage a comeback. The win brings Bangladesh within touching distance of their first-ever title in this age category. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Nepal in Saturday’s final.

Athletic Bilbao suffered a major blow on the eve of their long-awaited Champions League return, as midfielder Benat Prados has been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury. The Basque club confirmed Monday evening that the 24-year-old tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training last week. “In the coming days we will decide the date for surgery,” Athletic said in a statement. A product of Athletic’s famed youth system, Prados made 45 appearances last season and 33 the year before, following his loan spell at second-tier Mirandes. Though considered the third-choice midfielder under coach Ernesto Valverde—behind Mikel Jauregizar and the injury-prone veteran Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta—Prados was expected to feature prominently this season, with the club competing in the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. Valverde is now likely to rely on experienced midfielder Mikel Vesga and B-team prospect Alejandro Rego to fill the gap left by Prados.

A rookie card featuring Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has been sold for a record-breaking $1.5 million in a private transaction, making it the most valuable soccer card ever sold. This new record surpasses the previous one held by a card of Brazilian legend Pele. According to Goldin Auctions, the card, a 2004-05 Panini Mega Cracks PSA 10, was sold through Fanatics Collect’s private sales network. This sale tops a similar card that sold for $1.1 million earlier this week in a deal also facilitated by Goldin. The previous record for a soccer card was set in 2022 when a 1958 Alifabolaget Pele PSA 9 sold privately for $1.33 million, according to Card Ladder. This latest record is part of a series of high-value sales for this specific Messi rookie card. Just last month, a different PSA 10-graded version of the card sold for $1 million through Fanatics Collect, a global digital sports platform that trades cards and collectibles. Prior to that, another copy sold for $825,000 at Goldin. The record for the card before August was reportedly $336,000, set in June 021. Messi scores twice in emotional farewell match for Argentina The sale marks a major milestone for Fanatics Collect's new private sales network, which is designed for high-value transactions of $10,000 or more. According to a source from Fanatics who spoke with ESPN, the network generated roughly $8 million in sales from 30 to 40 transactions during its first full month in August. Out of the 838 copies of the No. 71 Messi card that PSA has graded, only 20 have received the highest possible grade of Gem-Mint 10, making them extremely rare and valuable. The record-breaking $1.5 million card also includes a special “Mike Baker Authenticated Diamond” certification, which signifies its exceptional condition.

FIFA has reached a key agreement with global footballers’ unions to introduce minimum rest standards aimed at safeguarding player welfare. The agreement includes a mandatory 72-hour rest period between matches and at least 21 consecutive days of vacation for players at the end of each season. This consensus was announced just ahead of the Club World Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — a tournament that has drawn criticism for being held during Europe’s traditional offseason. Unions have expressed concern over rising player fatigue, injury risks, and insufficient recovery time due to the packed football calendar. Ahead of the month-long Club World Cup, there were growing demands from unions to address player burnout. France’s professional players’ union notably condemned the tournament, calling it essential to “stop this massacre” of athletes’ physical and mental well-being. Combing operation across Bangladesh from today: Home Adviser FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other officials met with union representatives in New York, calling the talks "progressive" and reaffirming that player health remains a "top priority." “There is consensus on a minimum 72-hour rest between games and a 21-day break after each season,” FIFA said, adding that clubs should coordinate these rest periods individually with players based on match schedules and existing collective agreements. Strict implementation of the 72-hour rule could significantly affect match scheduling and broadcast arrangements. For example, clubs in the Europa League often play on Thursday nights and resume domestic matches by Sunday — a practice that may no longer be feasible. In Germany, this could pose challenges. The Bundesliga had already scrapped unpopular Monday night games in 2021 after fan protests, even though those slots were originally intended to provide more rest for clubs in European competitions. The league's upcoming TV deal also excludes Monday fixtures. FIFA further stated that players should be allowed at least one rest day per week, and that travel logistics and climate factors will be considered when planning future tournaments. The expanded Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams, has drawn ongoing criticism for adding to an already crowded football calendar. Scheduled to take place every four years between major international tournaments, the event has faced legal opposition in Europe, strike threats, and widespread concern over the toll on players’ health.

Zamora, Spain / Liverpool, UK – July 3, 2025 In a devastating blow to world football, Diogo Jota, 28, the revered forward for Liverpool FC and the Portugal national team, was killed in a car crash in northwestern Spain in the early hours of July 3. According to local authorities, Jota was travelling on the A‑52 near Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora province when the vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames, claiming his life and that of his brother, André, aged 25‑26, who also perished in the collision. Emergency services, including firefighters and medical teams, responded promptly to numerous 112 calls. On arrival, they found the car completely ablaze, with both brothers already deceased. The incident reportedly occurred around kilometer 65 of the motorway at approximately 00:35 local time. Jota had been in Spain on holiday following his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple, who have three young children, had recently celebrated their marriage publicly, marking a joyous occasion widely shared by fans and loved ones. Originally from Porto, Diogo José Teixeira da Silva rose to prominence in Europe with FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining Liverpool in 2020 for a reported £41 million. He quickly became instrumental to the Reds, contributing 47 goals in 123 appearances and playing a key part in their Premier League title win earlier this year. Read more: Ritu Porna Chakma: The Heroine behind Bangladesh’s Historic Performance in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification The football community has been left stunned. Liverpool FC, along with the Portuguese national team, are expected to issue official statements in the coming hours. Tributes from teammates, fans, and fellow professionals around the world have already begun to pour in (vg.no). A spokesperson from Spanish state broadcaster TVE confirmed the reports, adding that firefighters at the scene had verified Jota’s identity. At this tragic moment, the world mourns not only a gifted athlete known for his explosive pace and clinical finishing, but also a devoted brother, husband, and father. Both Diogo and André Jota will be remembered with deep sorrow and affection by those lucky enough to have known them. Further details are awaited as local investigations continue into the exact circumstances of the crash. Our thoughts go out to the Jota family and the entire Liverpool and Portugal football community during this time of heartbreaking loss. Read more: CA Yunus hails historic Asian Cup qualification by Bangladesh women footballers

When the final whistle blew at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on July 2, 2025, the roar from the Bangladesh women’s national football team could be felt across the nation. They had done it—secured their first-ever spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, to be played under the bright lights of Australia. In the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification tournament, the 2-1 victory over Myanmar wasn’t just a win; it was a moment that united a country, sparked joy in every corner, and put Bangladeshi women’s football on the global map. And at the heart of it all was 21-year-old Ritu Porna Chakma, a young woman from Rangamati whose two breathtaking goals turned a dream into reality. A Star Born in the Hills Ritu’s story feels like it was written in the stars, but it’s rooted in the rugged beauty of Rangamati, where she was born on December 30, 2003. She fell in love with football in 2012, chasing a ball with the kind of joy only a kid can have. By 2013, at just 10 years old, she was already stealing the show at the Bangamata Gold Cup Football tournament, representing her school. Her quick feet, sharp passes, and fearless spirit made people sit up and take notice. Coaches saw something special—a spark that could light up the future. Ritu didn’t just play football; she lived it. By 2021, she was scoring for fun in the SAFF U-19 Championship, netting twice against Sri Lanka in Dhaka’s Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium. In 2022, she stepped up to the senior team, helping Bangladesh clinch the SAFF Women’s Championship. But it was 2024 that made her a legend. In the SAFF final in Kathmandu, with the game on the line, Ritu scored a dramatic 80th-minute winner against Nepal at Dasharath Stadium. That 2-1 victory wasn’t just about retaining the title—it was about showing the world what Bangladesh could do. Read more: CA Yunus hails historic Asian Cup qualification by Bangladesh women footballers Table: Career Summary of Ritu Porna Chakma  Career Milestones Details 2012 Began playing football 2013 Represented school in Bangamata Gold Cup Football tournament 2021 Scored twice against Sri Lanka in SAFF U-19 Championship 2022 Contributed to SAFF Women’s Championship as a substitute, scoring two goals 2024 Scored winning goal in SAFF Championship final against Nepal 2025 Scored brace against Myanmar in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers . Rising Above Personal Trials Ritu Porna Chakma’s journey to football stardom is as much about heart as it is about skill. Born in Rangamati, Bangladesh, this 21-year-old winger faced profound personal challenges that would have tested anyone’s spirit. In 2015, the tragic loss of her father, Bolaz Bashi Chakma, left young Ritu with the weight of supporting her mother, Kala Sona Chakma, and her family. Yet, even as responsibilities mounted, Ritu’s love for football never wavered. Her determination only grew stronger, fueled by a promise to honor her family through her passion. The pain of loss struck again when Ritu’s brother passed away in a tragic accident. In a deeply moving moment during a match against Pakistan, she dedicated a goal to him, a testament to her emotional strength and the love she carries for her family. For Ritu, every step on the pitch is a tribute to those she’s lost and a beacon of hope for those she lifts up. Her resilience has not only shaped her as a player but also inspired a nation. Read more: Bangladesh collapse in first ODI vs Sri Lanka The Night That Changed History: Bangladesh vs. Myanmar On July 2, 2025, Ritu Porna Chakma and the Bangladesh women’s national team scripted a night to remember at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. Facing a formidable Myanmar side—ranked 55th globally, a staggering 73 places above Bangladesh’s 128th—the Bengal Tigresses took the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers by storm. The match was more than a game; it was a chance for redemption after Bangladesh’s 5-0 loss to Myanmar in the 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the same venue. Ritu rose to the occasion with breathtaking brilliance. In the 19th minute, she seized a rebound from her own free kick and unleashed a thunderous angular shot from the top of the box, outwitting Myanmar’s defense and goalkeeper to give Bangladesh a 1-0 lead. As Myanmar fought back in the second half, pressing for an equalizer, Ritu struck again. In the 72nd minute, her precise left-footed shot from the left wing soared past the keeper, securing a 2-0 lead. Though Myanmar’s Win Win pulled one back late in the game, Bangladesh held their ground for a historic 2-1 victory. Table: Stats of Bangladesh Squad in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification Match Details: Bangladesh vs. Myanmar Information Date July 2, 2025 Venue Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon Final Score Bangladesh 2-1 Myanmar Bangladesh Goals Ritu Porna Chakma (19th min, 72nd min) Myanmar Goal Win Win (late goal) Impact Secured Bangladesh’s qualification for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 . The win was sealed as Group C’s defining moment when Bahrain and Turkmenistan played out a 2-2 draw later that day, confirming Bangladesh as group winners and earning them a coveted spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. For Ritu and her teammates, this triumph was more than a qualification—it was a statement that Bangladesh’s women belong on the global stage. Read more: Chelsea signs Brazil forward Joao Pedro from Brighton A Legacy in the Making Ritu Porna Chakma’s story is one of courage, talent, and unbreakable spirit. From the hills of Rangamati to the international spotlight, she has carried the dreams of her family and her nation. Her brace against Myanmar wasn’t just about goals; it was about proving that no obstacle is too big, no opponent too strong, and no dream too distant. As Bangladesh prepares to take on the world in 2026, Ritu stands as the heart and soul of a team that’s rewriting history—one fearless step at a time. Kicking Off with Fire The Bangladesh women’s football team, with the unstoppable Ritu Porna Chakma leading the charge, has written a story that’s got the whole country buzzing. Their road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 started with a bang on June 29, 2025, when they crushed Bahrain 7-0 in the qualifiers. Ritu got on the scoresheet, alongside her teammates Shamsunnahar J, Kohati Kisku, Tohura Khatun, Munki Akhter, and even a helping hand from Bahrain’s Rawan Alali with an own goal. Then came the heart-pounding 2-1 win against Myanmar on July 2, 2025 a first for Bangladesh, stringing together back-to-back victories in the AFC qualifiers. Head coach Peter Butler, with his calm but firm words about staying grounded, has molded this team into something special. The Bengal Tigresses aren’t just playing; they’re rewriting what South Asian football looks like with their bold, attacking style. Smashing Stereotypes, One Goal at a Time This qualification for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia isn’t just about football; it’s about breaking barriers. Bangladesh, the first South Asian team in 22 years to make it this far, has defied expectations in a country where women’s football often fights an uphill battle. With young stars like Ritu leading the way, this moment feels like a turning point. It’s a burst of pride for the nation and a loud message to every girl watching: you can dream big, and you can win. The Tigresses are proving that women’s football in South Asia is here to stay, and it’s only getting stronger. Read more: Bangladesh edge closer to AFC Women’s Asian Cup final round after defeating Myanmar Ritu, the Heart of the Team As the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 looms, Ritu Porna Chakma is the name on everyone’s lips. She’s got that rare gift—thriving when the pressure’s on, with skills that dazzle and a spirit that doesn’t quit. With one last group match against Turkmenistan on July 5, 2025, the Tigresses are hungry to keep their fire burning and show Asia what they’re made of. Ritu’s journey from the quiet hills of Rangamati to the roar of international stadiums is the kind of story that gives you chills. Her two goals against Myanmar weren’t just about winning a game; they were about carving out a legacy. As Bangladesh celebrates this historic moment, Ritu stands as a symbol of what's possible when talent meets heart. She’s not just playing for herself; she’s lighting the way for a new generation of girls to run, kick, and dream without limits. Read more: Ruman Shana: The Archer Who Put Bangladesh on the Map

Team Advisers, consisting of the advisers and staff of the  Bangladesh Interim Government beat Team Diplomats, consisting of the diplomats and officials of different Embassies and High Commissions in Bangladesh by 1-0 goal in a Friendly Football match at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday. Team Advisers won the match by a suicidal goal scored in the 22nd minute of the 40 minute affair, played 20 minutes in each half. Law Advisor Dr Asif Nazrul, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, BFF President Tabith Awal, among others, played for Team Advisers. Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament: Archery team leaves Dhaka for Singapore on Saturday Spanish Ambassador and the diplomats and officials of UK, USA, Norway, Holland and Denmark played for Team Diplomats.