Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the usual nationwide celebrations are missing. Streets that once erupted in joy remain quiet, and social media shows little sign of excitement. Once a symbol of national unity, football now seems overshadowed by a sense of melancholy and detachment.

The shift follows years of political and social upheaval, particularly after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini and the ensuing “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, which divided Iranian society. The national team faced criticism for not taking a clear stance during protests, and many now view it as representing the state rather than the people. Economic hardship, inflation, and the shadow of war have further dulled public enthusiasm.

Sports journalists and fans note that football no longer dominates public discourse, though some believe the passion could return if war tensions ease and internet restrictions lift. For now, Iran’s biggest challenge at the 2026 World Cup may not be its opponents, but reconnecting with its own people.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a temporary suspension of traffic on Prashika Road adjacent to Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The restriction will be in place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on specific days linked to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Election 2026 and the Bangladesh-Australia cricket series. The affected dates include Sunday for the practice match and BCB election, followed by June 9, 11, and 14 for the three One Day International (ODI) matches.

According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, the measure aims to ensure smooth operations and security during the events. The DMP has requested city residents and drivers to use alternative routes during the closure period. Vehicles heading toward Mirpur-1 are advised to travel via Prashika Crossing, Shialbari Crossing, Rainkhola, and Eidgah Field to reach their destinations.

The DMP commissioner has sought cooperation from all concerned to minimize inconvenience and maintain order during the scheduled cricket and election activities.

FIFA has reversed its earlier decision to ban spectators from bringing water bottles into stadiums during the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The organization announced on Friday via social media that fans will now be allowed to carry factory-sealed, single-use soft plastic bottles of up to 20 ounces (approximately 590 milliliters). The initial restriction, applied to all 16 venues, had been justified on security grounds, citing risks of bottles being thrown onto the field. However, reusable hard bottles will still not be permitted.

The ban had sparked strong backlash from fans, politicians, and organizations, particularly given forecasts of extreme heat across most venues, where temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Critics argued that preventing spectators from bringing their own water was unreasonable. England’s supporter group Free Lions accused FIFA of using the policy as a revenue tactic benefiting sponsor Coca-Cola, which will sell beverages inside stadiums. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the original decision “wrong,” while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the need to ensure adequate water access for fans.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the three host nations.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will hold its board of directors election on Sunday. Ahead of the vote, sixteen candidates from the club category met in Dhaka on Friday to share their plans and seek support from councilors. During the meeting, Tamim Iqbal, current head of the BCB’s ad hoc committee and Old DOHS Club councilor, called on elected representatives to put Bangladesh cricket’s interests above personal identity or background once they assume office.

Tamim, a former national captain, noted that Bangladesh cricket has faced instability in recent years due to multiple leadership changes, which have affected the sport’s environment. He emphasized the need to end this turbulence and restore stability to a game that represents the pride and emotion of millions of Bangladeshis. Tamim also said that criticism and questions are natural but expressed confidence that genuine intent and effective work by elected members will gradually build trust.

The upcoming election is expected to pave the way for new leadership in the BCB, and Tamim hopes the new board will prioritize the broader interests of Bangladesh cricket over personal gain.

After weeks of speculation and diplomatic tension, Iranian footballers have finally received US visas to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The White House confirmed that the players were granted approval ahead of their first match in Los Angeles. However, Iran reported that several technical and administrative officials have yet to obtain their visas, with the semi-official Fars News Agency claiming that the US has so far refused to issue them.

The issue gained attention after Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, complained that team members had not received visas even ten days before the tournament. Against the backdrop of strained Iran-US relations following recent military actions involving the US and Israel, the World Cup has become a focal point of geopolitical discussion. Tehran had earlier sought to move its preparations and matches to co-host Mexico due to visa complications.

Despite the tensions, Iran’s ambassador said the team’s participation in the US demonstrates a commitment to peace. The team is scheduled to arrive in Tijuana, Mexico, for training before playing its first match against New Zealand on June 15.

Iran’s national football team is preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup amid war and political turmoil. Following a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iranian territory on February 28, the two nations remain in a tense ceasefire. Due to instability at home, the Iranian squad has been training in Antalya, Turkey, since May 18. Players are struggling to stay focused as the conflict and political tension weigh heavily on their minds.

The war has also disrupted administrative processes. Iranian players have yet to receive U.S. visas despite applying through the American embassy in Ankara, even though their group-stage matches are scheduled in the United States. In response, FIFA approved Iran’s request to move its base camp from the U.S. to Mexico, where the team quickly obtained visas and plans to depart on Sunday. However, uncertainty remains about their eventual entry into the U.S. for matches.

Iran’s first two games will take place in Los Angeles, home to a large Iranian diaspora, many of whom oppose Tehran’s government. Players hope expatriates will still support them as they aim to bring joy to war-weary Iranians when their campaign begins on June 15 against New Zealand.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque announced that construction of mini stadiums has begun in every upazila across Bangladesh under government directives. He stated that the initiative is progressing rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The minister made the remarks on Friday after laying the foundation stone for a mini stadium at Jaluar Dighipar in Kachuai, Patiya upazila of Chattogram. He emphasized that the stadiums will be built according to approved designs and that local communities will be responsible for their maintenance.

Aminul Haque also mentioned that the second phase of the “Notun Kuri Sports” program will start in September, aiming to form teams from the union level and promote grassroots sports talent. The event was attended by Patiya MP Enamul Haque Enam as the chief speaker, along with officials from the National Sports Council and local administration.

The initiative reflects the government’s broader effort to strengthen sports infrastructure and community engagement at the local level.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) has secured the broadcasting rights for all 104 matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, ending uncertainty over which channels will air the tournament in Bangladesh. According to the report, BTV purchased the full broadcasting rights from FIFA and has sub-licensed them to two private channels, T-Sports and Somoy TV. This arrangement ensures that Bangladeshi viewers will be able to watch every match live on these three channels.

The report states that BTV acquired the rights for approximately 3.5 million US dollars, equivalent to about 42.7 crore Bangladeshi taka, after extensive discussions and negotiations with FIFA. Initially, FIFA had demanded nearly double that amount. While T-Sports has already received an official partnership letter from BTV, Somoy TV is still working to meet the required technical and encryption standards necessary for international broadcast compliance.

Somoy TV’s broadcast head, Salauddin Selim, said the channel expects to resolve its technical issues within a few days, aiming to be ready before June 11 to join the World Cup telecast.

Just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Mexico City has witnessed violent protests targeting government buildings. Demonstrators, linked to a faction of the CNTE teachers’ union, stormed the Education Ministry headquarters, damaging property and setting small fires. The unrest comes as the city prepares for the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at the historic Azteca Stadium. President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that her government will not resort to repression ahead of the global event.

The teachers are demanding a significant salary increase and the repeal of a controversial pension law. Although the government has offered a 9 percent pay raise, protesters continue to demand a 100 percent increase. The current starting monthly salary for public school teachers in Mexico is about 967 dollars. Demonstrators have also threatened to continue their movement during the World Cup if their demands remain unmet.

Despite the political tension, the Mexican government remains firm in its commitment to hosting the World Cup as planned.

Algeria delivered a major statement ahead of the upcoming World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in their final preparation match. The game, held just before the tournament, saw winger Anis Haj Moussa score the decisive goal in the 86th minute after a solo effort from the right flank. It was the 24-year-old’s first international goal, achieved against players from his club’s home country, as he represents Dutch side Feyenoord.

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, was instrumental in the victory, producing a flawless performance by saving all five shots on target from the Dutch. Wearing a protective mask due to a recent facial injury, his display may have settled Algeria’s debate over their first-choice goalkeeper. The Netherlands dominated the first half, but Algeria turned the tide after the break, inspired by their supporters.

Algeria will open their World Cup campaign against defending champions Argentina, with Austria and Jordan also in their group. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will play Uzbekistan in another friendly before the tournament.

FIFA has decided to prohibit spectators from bringing their own water bottles into stadiums during the 2026 World Cup, sparking debate as concerns rise over North America’s extreme heat and humidity. The new directive reverses an earlier rule that allowed fans to carry one-liter transparent, reusable plastic bottles. According to an email obtained by The Athletic, FIFA cited safety reasons, saying bottles could be used as projectiles that might injure players or spectators.

The decision has raised questions about water accessibility and affordability, as fans will no longer be able to refill bottles at stadium dispensers. During last year’s Club World Cup in the United States, bottled water prices ranged from four to six dollars. FIFA’s long-time partner Coca-Cola will sell its Dasani brand water at World Cup venues, though pricing has not yet been announced.

FIFA said it will coordinate with host cities to install misting stations, cooling tents, extra fans, and water supply points to ensure spectator safety. Exceptions will be made for baby food, sterile water, and medically required liquids with proper certification.

The Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation’s executive committee approved a Tk 5.5 crore budget for the 2026–2027 fiscal year during a meeting held on Wednesday at the Police Headquarters’ Hall of Pride in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Federation President and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir. The budget, presented by General Secretary S M Nawaz Sohag, allocates a major portion to enhance international exposure for national team players. Plans include several home-and-away test series this year against Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, and Nepal.

The meeting also awarded Tk 10 lakh in special honorarium and cash prizes to the bronze medal-winning Bangladesh youth teams from the 2025 Asian Youth Games. To expand kabaddi at the grassroots level, a new academy will be established in Gopalganj under a special committee led by Brigadier General Syed Md Motaher Hossain and S M Nawaz Sohag. The committee will oversee the academy’s operations and development.

The federation plans to meet the State Minister for Sports soon to seek government support for improving kabaddi infrastructure and facilities nationwide.

Seven students from Quantum Cosmo School and College in Lama, a remote hill area of Bandarban, have been selected to represent Bangladesh at the Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics Singapore Open Championship (SGP) 2026. The event will take place in Singapore from June 1 to 8, and the Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation confirmed the final team through an official letter on June 3. The selected gymnasts are Uhai Mong Marma, Prenthai Mro, Mongching Pru Tripura, Menton Tony Mro, Utingwang Marma, Rajib Chakma, and Oye Oye Sai Marma.

Quantum Cosmo School and College has long been promoting both education and sports development in the region. According to officials, the students’ success is the result of regular training, disciplined practice, and a supportive sports environment. Salah Ahmed, in charge of Quantum Education Services, said their goal is to produce world-class gymnasts from the grassroots level and expressed pride in the students’ achievement.

Lama Upazila Sports Association convener and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Moin Uddin praised the institution’s contribution to developing national and international athletes. The local community in Lama has expressed joy and hope that the young gymnasts will bring honor to Bangladesh through their performance in Singapore.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first two matches of the three-match One Day International series against Australia, beginning June 9 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The major highlight of the selection is the return of all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain after four years, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Kazi Nurul Hasan Sohan. The second match will be played on June 11, and the final on June 14, with all games starting at 11 a.m.

From the squad that faced New Zealand in April, Afif Hossain and Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan have been dropped. Mosaddek, aged 30, last played an ODI in August 2022, marking a significant comeback to the national team. Sohan, who was not part of the New Zealand series, also returns to the lineup.

The team will be led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and includes key players such as Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana.

Bangladesh advanced to the final of the SAFF Women's Championship after defeating Nepal 2-1 in the semifinal held on June 3, 2026. Under coach Peter Butler, the team secured victory through goals from Rituparna Chakma and Sagarika. Chakma’s remarkable strike from a corner just before halftime leveled the score 1-1 after Nepal had taken an early lead through Geeta Rani. Sagarika sealed the win with a decisive goal in stoppage time, assisted by Shamsunnahar Junior.

The match began with Nepal dominating early exchanges, testing Bangladesh’s defense repeatedly. Nepal went ahead in the 23rd minute, but Bangladesh gradually regained control. Goalkeeper Mili Akter made crucial saves to keep her team in contention. Chakma’s equalizer energized the side, setting up a competitive second half filled with end-to-end action.

With this result, Bangladesh reached the SAFF Women's Championship final for the third consecutive time. The team had also won the previous two titles by defeating Nepal, and now stands on the brink of a potential third championship.