Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by defeating Australia for the first time in a One Day International on home soil. The match, held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, saw Bangladesh secure an 86-run victory under the DLS method in the first game of a three-match series. Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted 284 for 8 in 50 overs, led by Mosaddek Hossain’s unbeaten 86, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 67, and Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s 54.

In reply, Australia reached 191 for 9 in 42.2 overs before rain ended play. Young pacer Nahid Rana took four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman and Mosaddek each claimed two. For Australia, Alex Carey scored 47, Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 52, and Cooper Connolly added 35. Nathan Ellis was the most effective Australian bowler with three wickets for 38 runs.

With this victory, Bangladesh took a 1–0 lead in the series, marking their first ODI win over Australia at home and their second overall after the 2005 Cardiff triumph.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has provided financial assistance to Bangladesh national women’s football team star Rituparna Chakma for the construction of her house. The donation was handed over on Tuesday afternoon at the Prime Minister’s office inside the National Parliament complex during a break in the budget session. Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque, Chittagong Hill Tracts State Minister Mir Helal Uddin, Textiles and Jute State Minister Shariful Alam, and Bangladesh Football Federation President Tabith Awal were present at the event.

The report notes that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had previously supported Rituparna and her family. In 2025, when her mother required cancer treatment, BNP leaders visited their remote home in Rangamati and provided financial help under Tareq Rahman’s direction. Rituparna Chakma has been a key figure in Bangladesh’s women’s football success, contributing to SAFF Women’s Championship victories in 2022 and 2024 and helping the team qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals in 2025.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury announced that Bangladesh Television (BTV) has finalized a deal with FIFA to broadcast the upcoming Football World Cup for 3.85 million US dollars. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Department of Information’s conference room in the Secretariat on Tuesday.

He stated that the total cost, including VAT and income tax, amounts to 637.9 million Bangladeshi taka, but BTV will not have to bear the expense directly. The ministry has already recovered nearly the entire amount by selling broadcasting rights and advertisements to telecom operators, satellite channels, and OTT platforms. As a result, BTV will be able to air the matches at a nominal cost.

According to the minister, the agreement with FIFA was reached through a transparent and policy-based process at a reasonable price, ensuring that the public broadcaster can deliver the World Cup coverage efficiently and affordably.

Bangladesh recovered from an early setback to post a strong total against Australia in their ongoing match on June 9, 2026. After losing opener Saif Hasan in the second over, the team stabilized through a 96-run partnership between Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Both batters reached half-centuries before getting out, helping Bangladesh reach 197 for 4 after 37 overs at the time of reporting.

Australia had opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Their bowling was steady, but fielding lapses cost them momentum, with three dropped catches in the first 36 overs. Despite a few spectacular catches, the missed chances allowed Bangladesh to build a solid platform.

Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, returning to the national team after four years, was batting on 39 alongside Towhid Hridoy on 21 as Bangladesh aimed for the 300-run mark.

Somali referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan, set to make history as the first from his country to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, has been denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 tournament. Despite holding a diplomatic passport and valid FIFA accreditation, US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport refused him entry and sent him back. He is currently in transit at Istanbul Airport. The US Customs and Border Protection has not clarified the reason for the denial, though American media have linked it to the Trump administration’s travel ban affecting several countries, including Somalia.

Following emergency discussions with US officials, FIFA confirmed that Artan will not be able to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. The organization stated it has no authority over host nation visa or immigration decisions. Somalia’s Football Federation and Sports Ministry have expressed strong anger over the incident, calling it a humiliating setback. Fans on social media have condemned the decision as political interference in sports.

The Iran national football team has finally arrived in Mexico after overcoming visa complications ahead of the World Cup. However, several key officials have yet to receive U.S. visas, prompting veteran defender Ehsan Hajsafi to express frustration and question FIFA’s handling of the matter. Due to the delays, Iran relocated its planned training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, near the U.S. border.

Iran’s participation had faced uncertainty because of regional conflicts and diplomatic tensions. Although the team was eventually cleared to compete, the visa process forced logistical changes. According to Iranian media, those still awaiting visas include the federation’s secretary general Hedayat Mombeyni, vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, and several senior staff members from management and media operations.

Hajsafi emphasized that these officials play vital roles in daily operations and urged a swift resolution. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has received his visa and continues leading preparations. While the visa delays have affected Iran’s pre-tournament readiness, the team now aims to focus on on-field performance as discussions over the unresolved visa issues continue.

The Iranian national football team has arrived in Mexico to begin final preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Before departing, players and officials followed a long-standing tradition by kissing the Holy Quran and walking beneath it, seeking divine protection and success. The farewell ceremony took place in Antalya, Turkey, where the ritual was performed before the team flew to Mexico for training ahead of their group-stage matches in the United States later this month.

The ritual, deeply rooted in Iranian culture, symbolizes faith, unity, and national pride. Iran’s World Cup participation has faced complications due to ongoing conflict with Israel and U.S. involvement in that situation. Visa issues forced the team to relocate its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, near the California border. The team had been training in Antalya before traveling to Mexico.

Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged Iran from participating, citing safety concerns. Iran’s team responded firmly, asserting that no one could exclude them from the tournament. The team is now preparing to compete despite earlier obstacles.

The Bangladesh government has decided to purchase the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup directly from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) for approximately Tk 73 crore. The state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) will acquire the 'all media rights' under a direct purchase method approved by the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The contract value has been set at Tk 72.70 crore.

According to the proposal from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, BTV will obtain full media rights directly from FIFA, covering satellite, terrestrial, digital, and OTT platforms. Officials noted that previous major sports events often required intermediaries, increasing costs. This direct agreement is expected to ensure transparency and cost efficiency.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will begin on June 11 and continue until July 19. With this initiative, millions of Bangladeshi football fans will be able to watch all matches live without additional expenses.

Iraq’s national football team faced an unexpected controversy upon arriving in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Star striker Aymen Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by US immigration authorities at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. After the lengthy interrogation and a detailed inspection of his mobile phone, Hussein was eventually allowed to enter the country. However, the team’s official photographer, Talal Salah, was denied entry after being held for more than ten hours and having his phone searched.

According to an Iraqi Football Association official, US Customs and Border Protection officers closely monitored the team upon arrival. Hussein, aged 30, was separated from his teammates immediately after disembarking. His decisive goal against Bolivia in the playoffs had secured Iraq’s place in the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

The incident has cast a shadow over Iraq’s historic qualification, raising concerns about the team’s preparation and morale ahead of the tournament.

Two students from Quantum Cosmo School and College in Lama, Bandarban, have won gold medals at the Singapore Open Gymnastics Championship. The event took place from June 1 to 8, 2026, where the athletes were officially selected to compete. Uchingwang Marma earned gold in the steel rings event with 12.150 points and bronze in the floor event with 11.600 points. Menton Tony Mro secured gold in the pommel horse event with 13.150 points.

According to the Quantum Education Service Program in-charge, Saleh Ahmed, the success resulted from long-term training and close supervision by coaches. He stated that their goal is to develop international-standard gymnasts from the grassroots level. Lama Upazila Executive Officer Md. Moin Uddin expressed pride on behalf of the local community, noting that the students represented Bangladesh internationally and brought honor to the area.

The achievements mark a significant milestone for the Quantum Cosmo institution and highlight the growing presence of Bangladeshi gymnasts in international competitions.

Brazil concluded its World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Egypt in an international friendly held in Cleveland, United States, on Saturday. Substitute forward Endrick scored the winning goal just six minutes after entering the field, ensuring a confident finish for the five-time world champions. The match began with Bruno Guimarães capitalizing on an early Egyptian error to give Brazil the lead, but Egypt equalized soon after through Mostafa Zico following a defensive lapse.

Brazil suffered a setback when right-back Wesley was forced off with an injury in the 15th minute, replaced by veteran defender Danilo. Coach Carlo Ancelotti made eight substitutions after halftime, including Endrick, whose strike from Raphinha’s pass decided the match. Despite Mohamed Salah’s late appearance, Egypt failed to break Brazil’s defense.

With consecutive wins in their two warm-up matches, Brazil enters the World Cup in strong form. The team will begin its campaign on June 13 against Morocco in Group C, which also includes Haiti and Scotland.

A memorial gathering was held outside Hampden Park Stadium in Scotland to honor Palestinian footballers killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The event was organized by Red Card Glasgow and took place at the main entrance of Scotland’s national stadium. Participants were seen laying wreaths and displaying footballs, jerseys, shoes, and Palestinian scarves in tribute to the deceased athletes.

According to the organizers, the purpose of the gathering was to pay respect to the memory of the Palestinian footballers and to draw attention to the impact of the ongoing conflict on the world of sports. The event highlighted the intersection between sport and humanitarian concern amid the continuing violence in Gaza.

The memorial served as a symbolic act of solidarity, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict and the loss felt within the sporting community.

Iran has accused the United States of refusing visas to several officials and technical staff linked to its national football team just days before the World Cup begins. U.S. officials stated on Friday that all Iranian players and essential support staff had received visas ahead of Iran’s first match on June 15 in Los Angeles. They added that the U.S. remains vigilant to prevent any misuse of the visa system.

Iran’s embassy in Turkey alleged that Washington was politically interfering in sports, claiming that many management and technical advisers were denied entry. Iranian state media reported that around 15 administrative officials, including the football federation’s president, vice president, and a media officer, were refused visas. The Iranian team completed training in Turkey and departed for Mexico, where it will stay during the tournament.

Iran called the U.S. position an attempt to conceal the truth and urged FIFA to intervene. The World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico amid ongoing political tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Argentina continued their winning momentum ahead of the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Honduras in a friendly match held at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rest captain Lionel Messi for the entire match as a precaution due to lingering muscle fatigue. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 37th minute from a penalty after Nicolás Tagliafico was fouled, while Giuliano Simeone sealed the win with a precise finish in the 51st minute following a backheel assist from Martínez.

Scaloni made several changes throughout the match but avoided risking Messi, who had sustained a minor injury while playing for Inter Miami on May 25. Although Messi has resumed training with the national team, he is yet to regain full fitness. The coach emphasized that no risks would be taken with the 38-year-old star before the World Cup.

Argentina will play their final warm-up match against Iceland on June 9 before beginning their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria. They are placed in Group J alongside Austria and Jordan.

Brazil’s World Cup preparations are underway amid intense excitement, but star forward Neymar Jr. remains uncertain for the tournament due to an ongoing injury. The 34-year-old has not yet fully recovered and missed Brazil’s recent warm-up matches, leaving doubts about his participation in the team’s opening game. Despite the uncertainty, fans remain hopeful that Neymar will lead Brazil to its long-awaited sixth World Cup title after a 24-year drought.

In a recent interview during the ‘Red Bull Ultimate Soccer Challenge,’ Neymar reflected on his career and said he believes his place in football history is already secured. He expressed pride in his achievements, stating that he has left a lasting mark on the sport and given his best for every club he has represented, including Santos, Barcelona, PSG, and Al Hilal. Neymar also emphasized his dedication to the Brazilian national team.

Regarding his club future, Neymar confirmed he still has one year left on his contract with Santos and intends to complete it before deciding on his next career move later this year or early next year.