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.

The National Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (Boys and Girls) 2026, featuring students from government primary schools across Bangladesh, will begin its national phase on Thursday at 10 a.m. The opening ceremony will take place at the National Bangla High School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, with Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan inaugurating the event. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin will attend as special guests.

The tournament began on April 6 this year at the union and municipal levels, involving students from 65,569 government primary schools. A total of 65,342 boys’ teams and 65,321 girls’ teams competed through successive stages at union, upazila, district, and divisional levels, which concluded on May 23.

From tomorrow, 16 teams—eight boys’ and eight girls’ divisional champions—will compete in the national stage, marking the start of the tournament’s final phase.

With only days remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, football fever has gripped New York. Among the 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, New York has become the most talked-about destination. Streets, parks, shopping centers, and sports venues are filled with festive energy as the city transforms into what many call the temporary capital of world football. The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has been renamed New York New Jersey Stadium under FIFA regulations and will host eight matches, including the final on July 19 and Brazil’s opening game against Morocco on June 13.

The stadium has undergone major renovations, replacing its artificial turf with natural Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass imported from North Carolina. Over 80,000 spectators will be able to attend matches there. Across New York, large public screenings, cultural events, and a 17-day fan fest featuring global artists Nas and Wyclef Jean are planned. Shuttle services will connect Manhattan to the stadium for easier access.

Analysts estimate that the World Cup will generate between $3 billion and $3.3 billion in economic activity in the New York region, benefiting hotels, transport, tourism, and retail sectors.

Bangladesh and Nepal will meet today in the SAFF Women's Championship semifinal at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, India. The match, starting at 4:30 p.m. Bangladesh time, will determine who advances to the final. Bangladesh, the defending champions, are aiming for a third consecutive title after defeating Nepal in the 2022 and 2024 finals. However, a recent 3–0 loss to India has raised concerns about the team’s form and morale.

Coach Peter Butler emphasized the need for his players to recover mentally and perform at their best. He expressed confidence in his young squad and confirmed that experienced player Shiyuli Azim will play, while Afida Khandakar has been rested. Nepal, led by coach Nabin Neupane, are determined to overcome past defeats and reach the final. Neupane said his team is fully fit and focused on winning the title, though they will miss injured captain Sabitra Bhandari.

Both teams view the match as evenly balanced, with the outcome likely to depend on which side can capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Bangladesh’s national football team has completed its full squad ahead of the international friendly against San Marino. England-based midfielder Hamza Chowdhury arrived in San Marino on Tuesday night to join his teammates, marking the inclusion of all foreign-based players in the touring side. Earlier, Samit Som and Zayan Ahmed had joined the team, with Zayan participating in training soon after arrival. Following a recovery session on Monday, the team began full training on Tuesday.

Team manager Amer Khan reported that the squad experienced contrasting weather conditions over two days, shifting from cold to heat similar to Bangladesh. The team, led by Jamal Bhuiyan, trained for about ninety minutes from 6 p.m. local time. Bangladesh will face San Marino on June 5 at 11 p.m. Bangladesh time.

Head coach Thomas Dooley cautioned that the match would not be easy, noting San Marino’s regular competition against strong European sides. Italy-based player Fahmidul Islam expressed confidence, saying he aims to share his local experience with teammates as they look forward to the challenge.

Australia defeated Pakistan by 41 runs in the second One Day International at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, leveling the three-match series 1-1. After being sent to bat first, Australia posted 231 for 9 in 50 overs, led by half-centuries from captain Josh Inglis (51) and all-rounder Cameron Green (53). Oliver Peake added a late 31-run cameo. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets for 36 runs, while Arafat Minhas, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf claimed two each.

Chasing 232, Pakistan suffered an early collapse, losing two wickets for six runs and later slumping to 78 for six under pressure from Australian pacer Nathan Ellis, who took four wickets for 33 runs. Shadab Khan fought back with a resilient 71, supported by Ghazi Ghori (37) and Arafat Minhas (33), but Pakistan were bowled out for 190 in 44 overs. Part-time spinner Matthew Short contributed with three wickets for 36 runs.

The victory brought Australia back into contention in the series, setting up a decisive third ODI. Nathan Ellis was named Player of the Match for his match-winning bowling performance.

An explosive batting display unfolded at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, where Legends of Rupganj batter Habibur Rahman smashed a half-century off just 15 balls against Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. With this performance, Habibur equaled the record for the fastest fifty in Bangladesh’s List A cricket, previously held solely by Parvez Hossain Imon.

Habibur’s innings turned into a batting storm, particularly targeting Mohammedan’s pacer Nahid Rana. In one over, he scored 26 runs, breaking the rhythm of the opposition and pushing his team into a dominant position. His aggressive approach brought a T20-style intensity to the one-day format, leaving Mohammedan struggling to recover.

The innings not only matched a national record but also highlighted the growing competitiveness and power-hitting trend in domestic List A cricket, signaling a shift in batting dynamics within Bangladesh’s premier league.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the schedule and voter list for the upcoming Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, scheduled for June 7. Six councillors submitted the petition to the bench of Justice Bhishmadev Chakraborty and Justice Md Asif Hasan on Tuesday.

According to the election commission’s earlier announcement, the schedule for the BCB Board of Directors Election 2026 was issued on May 16 by the Chief Election Commissioner’s office. The notice stated that the election and result announcement would both take place on June 7. The draft voter list was released on May 17 at 4 p.m.

The election will select 23 directors through direct voting, while two directors will be nominated by the National Sports Council (NSC). A total of 25 directors will then elect one president from among themselves.