United News of Bangladesh

Cristiano Ronaldo walks into what is widely believed to be the final FIFA World Cup of his legendary career, and once again, the football world stops to watch. At 41, the Portuguese icon is preparing for what many are calling his “Last Dance”, as Portugal begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Group K at Houston’s NRG Stadium, kicks off at 11:00 PM Bangladesh Standard Time (BST). Despite age no longer being on his side, Ronaldo remains the central figure of Portugal’s golden generation, a player whose legacy already includes over 965+ career goals, five Ballon d’Or awards, and international dominance across Europe and Nations League triumphs. Yet one trophy still defines the missing chapter of his career: the FIFA World Cup. The final chase for football’s biggest prize Ronaldo’s World Cup journey began in 2006, where Portugal finished fourth. Since then, he has scored in five different World Cups, a record, but the knockout stage has often remained a barrier. In total, Ronaldo has scored 8 World Cup goals and provided 2 assists in 22 matches, while maintaining one of the longest international careers in football history. Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a decisive figure for Portugal and continues to feature among the top performers in the Saudi Pro League, where he finished as the third-highest goalscorer for Al Nassr (RSL) in the 2025/26 season. Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup with arguably their most balanced and complete squad in recent memory under coach Roberto Martínez, blending experience, form, and European dominance across positions. Built for glory? This time, however, Portugal arrive not just as contenders, but as one of the most balanced squads in the tournament. Under Spanish Coach Roberto Martínez, the team blends experience and youth across all departments. Vitinha, João Neves, Gonçalo Ramos and Nuno Mendes, all UEFA Champions League winners this season. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s most in-form player in the 2025/26 season. Bernardo Silva, former Manchester City is a consistent creative force. Rafael Leão and Pedro Neto, key attacking outlets offering pace and direct threat, and finally up front the captain and focal point: Cristiano Ronaldo The squad’s depth across midfield, defence and attack has placed Portugal among the favourites heading into the tournament. Portugal, ranked among the world’s top five, also enter the tournament as reigning UEFA Nations League champions, strengthening belief that this could finally be their golden generation’s breakthrough moment. Their group campaign includes DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, with the opening fixture against DR Congo expected to set the tone. Portugal are widely seen as favourites to top the group, but analysts warn of unpredictability from their opponents. DR Congo arrive with physical strength and counter-attacking threat, Colombia bring experience through James Rodríguez, while Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut under Fabio Cannavaro. Still, all attention remains fixed on one man, Ronaldo. Ronaldo himself has indicated this tournament could mark his sixth and final World Cup appearance, an unprecedented milestone shared only with Lionel Messi in modern football discussions. Even at 41, he remains decisive, a record international goalscorer with 143 goals for Portugal and the first player to score in five World Cups. But the World Cup trophy is the one honour missing from his otherwise complete legacy. The last dance begins For Portugal, this is more than a campaign. It is a carefully balanced attempt to turn generations of talent into global glory. For Ronaldo, it is something more personal, a final chance to complete his legacy in football. Whether 2026 becomes a fairytale ending or another heartbreak, one reality is certain. The world will be watching every step of Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi revealed that the tears he shed after scoring in his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J opener against Algeria were the result of personal difficulties rather than anything related to football. The 38-year-old forward became emotional after netting Argentina's first goal in Monday night's match. He later completed a historic hat-trick — his first in World Cup competition — while also drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Messi's emotional reaction sparked widespread speculation among fans, but he clarified after the match that he had recently been dealing with challenging circumstances away from the sport. Speaking to reporters, Messi said he had gone through several difficult days before the game and stressed that the situation was unrelated to football. Although he chose not to disclose further details, he thanked his teammates and members of the Argentine delegation for their support during that period. The veteran forward also expressed satisfaction with the stage of his career he is currently enjoying, describing it as a special reward after everything he has accomplished over the years. He said he was grateful to be part of the current Argentina squad and was enjoying every moment with the team. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's display after the reigning champions opened their title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria. Scaloni said Messi's performance was extraordinary and admitted he struggled to find words to describe the star forward's impact on the team. Source: NDTV

Austria recorded a World Cup victory for the first time in 36 years with a 3-1 win over debutants Jordan in a Group J match at soccer’s premier global tournament on Tuesday. A late own goal proved decisive, as Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab deflected a corner into his own net in the 76th minute to give Austria a 2-1 lead. Marko Arnautovic later added a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win. The match between a World Cup debutant and an Austrian side returning to the tournament after missing the previous six editions produced plenty of drama throughout. The decisive phase came in the second half, when Jordan equalised before Austria scored twice from corner situations, though only one goal stood after VAR intervention. Arnautovic initially thought he had put Austria ahead from a corner after a mistake by Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that ruled a handball by Stefan Posch in the build-up. Austria then struck again from another corner following the second-half hydration break, with Al Arab turning the ball into his own net to restore their lead. Romano Schmid had earlier put Austria ahead in the 20th minute, finishing a well-worked move with a precise right-footed strike into the top corner after a pass from Xaver Schlager. Jordan responded in the 50th minute through Ali Olwan, who ran into the box on a counterattack before beating goalkeeper Alexander Schlager with a right-footed finish, sparking celebrations among Jordanian supporters. Austria’s win marked their first World Cup victory since defeating the United States in the 1990 group stage. Jordan, meanwhile, failed to become the first team since Senegal in 2002 to win their World Cup debut match. They will next face Algeria in Santa Clara on Monday, while Austria will take on Argentina in the Dallas area 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.

England defender Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury, prompting coach Thomas Tuchel to make a late change to his squad ahead of the team's opening match against Croatia. The English Football Association announced on Tuesday that Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as Livramento's replacement and will join England's training camp in Kansas City. According to the FA, the Newcastle United full back sustained the injury during a training session on Sunday. A scan and medical assessment conducted on Monday confirmed that Livramento would be unable to take any further part in the tournament, the FA said in a statement. Livramento was included in the squad largely because of his ability to play on both sides of the defense. Comfortable at both right back and left back, he was expected to provide cover for Reece James, who has struggled with injuries in recent years. Chalobah, meanwhile, has mainly featured as a central defender for Chelsea but is also capable of playing at right back. England are set to travel to Dallas for their first Group-stage match against Croatia on Wednesday. Under tournament rules, teams are allowed to replace injured players up to 24 hours before the kickoff of their opening match.

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.  

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says football fans across the world are eager to watch Lionel Messi play as the superstar prepares to make his 200th appearance for Argentina when the defending champions open their World Cup campaign against Algeria national football team on Tuesday. Scaloni, who shares roots in Argentina’s Santa Fe province with Messi, said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains a global attraction whose influence extends far beyond Argentine supporters. “Not only Argentinians but people all over the world want to see him play,” Scaloni said. “Everyone wants to see him on the pitch because he has an impact on football fans everywhere.” Argentina will begin its title defence at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Messi expected to feature despite recently dealing with a minor hamstring problem. The 39-year-old forward appeared fully fit in Argentina’s final warm-up match against Iceland last week. Coming on as a second-half substitute, he scored from the penalty spot and completed his brief appearance without any issues. If selected as expected, Messi will reach the milestone of 200 international appearances against Algeria. “There’s nothing negative to say about him,” Scaloni said. “He’s always there for us and remains a key part of this team.” Messi's presence has generated huge excitement among fans in Kansas City ahead of the match. Tapash Chakraborty, owner of an engineering design company, was among supporters hoping to catch a glimpse of the Argentine squad before the game. “Messi is Messi,” he said. “He is the god of football.” Messi jerseys have become a common sight throughout the city, with fans wearing shirts from Argentina, his former club FC Barcelona and current club Inter Miami CF. Michelle Lemmon, who travelled from Missouri with her children to attend World Cup activities, described Messi as the world’s best player and said she was thrilled to have Argentina based in Kansas City during the tournament. She added that a dream final would see the United States face Argentina.   Many football fans believe the debate over the greatest player of all time often comes down to Messi and Brazilian legend Pelé. A successful World Cup title defence would add another remarkable achievement to Messi’s career. Only two countries have previously won consecutive World Cups: Italy in the 1930s and Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Argentina came close to repeating the feat four years ago after defeating France in a dramatic final in Qatar. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi said memories of Argentina’s triumph in Qatar continue to inspire the squad. “The whole country came together during that tournament,” Otamendi said. “Those memories stay with us and motivate us to keep pushing forward. We cannot relax. We have to keep working with humility.” Otamendi also praised Messi’s attitude, describing him as a humble person who remains fiercely competitive despite his achievements. “He focuses on training and always wants to win,” Otamendi said. “We want to support him and enjoy playing alongside him. When the match starts, the team must stay united and work together on the field.”

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.