Bangladesh’s 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights have taken a new turn after Singapore-based Springbok Private Limited withdrew from its agreement with FIFA. The company had initially secured the Bangladesh media rights for about 7.211 million US dollars but failed to make scheduled payments, leading FIFA to cancel the deal. With the World Cup set to begin on June 12 and end on July 20, Bangladeshi broadcasters now have a chance to negotiate directly with FIFA at lower rates.

Springbok had demanded around 12.3 million dollars from Bangladesh Television (BTV) for the rights, including TV, radio, mobile, and internet coverage, but BTV declined due to the high cost. Following the cancellation, T Sports, Star News, and a Dubai-based firm are now competing to buy the rights directly from FIFA. Government requests for free broadcast access were rejected by FIFA, which cited its funding commitments to national football federations.

Experts say FIFA may now offer the rights for 2–3 million dollars, reflecting regional market adjustments. Calls have also emerged for an independent audit into alleged irregularities during the 2022 World Cup rights deal.

Argentina has set its sights on winning a second consecutive FIFA World Cup, with forward Julián Álvarez emerging as a key figure in the team’s pursuit. In an interview with FIFA, Álvarez expressed excitement about defending the title, saying the team aims to reach the final again despite the challenges ahead. The 26-year-old striker, now playing for Atlético Madrid after leaving Manchester City, has become an integral part of Argentina’s starting lineup since his breakthrough performance in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Álvarez scored four goals in that tournament, including two in the semifinal against Croatia, helping Argentina secure the championship. He has since added major club and international trophies to his career, including the Copa Libertadores, UEFA Champions League, and Copa América. Argentina hopes to join Italy and Brazil as the only nations to win consecutive World Cups, a feat Álvarez believes would mark a historic era for the team.

While Lionel Messi’s participation in the upcoming World Cup remains unconfirmed, Álvarez noted that the decision rests with Messi but emphasized that the tournament will be special for the entire football world.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) will resume on June 2, following the Eid-ul-Azha holiday. The competition will restart from the eighth round, with table-toppers Mohammedan Sporting Club facing Legends of Rupganj, while Abahani Limited will take on Gulshan Cricket Club. The ninth round is scheduled for June 5, featuring key fixtures including Abahani against Legends of Rupganj and Mohammedan against Gazi Group Cricketers.

According to the announced schedule, matches will be held across several venues including Mirpur, BKSP, Bashundhara, and the Cricketers Academy. The much-anticipated Dhaka derby between Abahani and Mohammedan will not take place until the 11th round. The BCB’s statement provides clarity on the league’s continuation after the festival break.

The updated schedule ensures that the DPL maintains its competitive momentum, with title-contending teams preparing for crucial encounters in early June.

Lionel Messi’s injury scare has eased after Inter Miami confirmed that medical tests found no serious damage. The Argentine star was forced off during the 73rd minute of a Major League Soccer match against Philadelphia Union, which Miami won 6–4. The club’s medical team reported that Messi’s left hamstring showed signs of strain and muscle fatigue but no major injury. The announcement brought relief to Argentina’s camp as they prepare to defend their World Cup title.

Inter Miami stated that Messi’s return to play will depend on his recovery progress, without specifying a timeline. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano also shared that tests confirmed only minor discomfort. The news comes as Argentina prepares to announce its squad before the World Cup begins on June 11, with their first match scheduled against Algeria five days later.

The update reduces immediate concerns for both Inter Miami and Argentina, though Messi’s exact recovery period remains uncertain.

An emotional scene unfolded at Anfield as Liverpool supporters celebrated Mohamed Salah’s farewell following the club’s final league match against Brentford, which ended in a 1–1 draw. The Egyptian forward left the field in the 73rd minute and was given a standing ovation by the entire stadium. Overcome with emotion, Salah struggled to hold back tears as he thanked fans for their unwavering support during his years at the club.

Salah, one of Liverpool’s most successful players, joined the club in 2017 alongside Andy Robertson, who also played his final match that night. Together they contributed to Liverpool’s major triumphs, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Salah reflected on his journey, saying he had never cried so much before and that his youth was intertwined with the club.

Despite facing criticism earlier in the season, Salah’s farewell was marked by gratitude and affection. He said the fans’ love was his greatest reward and that Liverpool would always remain in his heart.

Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 6-4 in a high-scoring Major League Soccer match on May 25, 2026. Despite falling two goals behind early, Lionel Messi’s team produced a strong comeback to secure victory. Messi contributed two assists but left the field in the 73rd minute after feeling discomfort in his left thigh. The match, played at Nu Stadium, featured a record eight goals in the first half, ending 4-4 before Miami sealed the win with goals from Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Philadelphia’s Milan Iloski scored a hat-trick, including a penalty confirmed by VAR, while Suárez also netted three times for Miami. The rain slowed the pace in the second half, but Miami maintained control even after Messi’s exit. The win marked one of the most dramatic games in MLS history.

Attention turned to Messi’s injury after the match, raising concern for Argentina’s World Cup preparations. The national team has yet to announce its squad, and coach Lionel Scaloni faces uncertainty as Argentina’s campaign begins on June 16 against Algeria.

Argentina has emerged as the leading nation in coaching representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A total of six Argentine coaches will guide different national teams, the highest number from any country. Among them are Lionel Scaloni for Argentina, Mauricio Pochettino for the United States, Marcelo Bielsa for Uruguay, Gustavo Alvaro for Paraguay, Sebastián Beccacece for Ecuador, and Néstor Lorenzo for Colombia.

France follows with five coaches, including Didier Deschamps, Rudy Garcia, Sabri Lamouchi, Sébastien Desabre, and Sébastien Migne. Spain ranks third with four coaches, while Italy and Germany each have three. Notably, Brazil, the five-time world champion, will not have a Brazilian coach this time; instead, Italian Carlo Ancelotti will lead their campaign.

According to the report, 22 teams will compete under domestic coaches, highlighting a mix of national and foreign leadership across the tournament’s dugouts.

Iran’s national football team has decided to move its 2026 World Cup base camp from the United States to Mexico just weeks before the tournament begins. The decision, approved by FIFA, was made due to visa-related complications and travel convenience. Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that the new base camp will be in Tijuana, a Mexican city near the U.S. border, where team accommodations are already prepared.

In a video message published by Fars News Agency, Taj explained that visa difficulties prompted the request to shift the camp. With FIFA’s approval, the team will now train directly in Mexico and benefit from easier travel using Iran Air flights. Iran’s three group-stage matches will still take place in the United States—against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, and against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Taj noted that the new location will also reduce travel time to Los Angeles for the first two matches. The team is currently holding a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, while some players have applied for U.S. visas at the American embassy in Ankara.

Real Madrid closed their La Liga season with a 4-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking an emotional night filled with both celebration and farewells. The match, held on May 24, 2026, saw goals from Gonzalo García, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Brahim Díaz for the home side, while Gorka Guruzeta and Urko Izeta scored for Bilbao.

Beyond the scoreline, the evening was defined by the departures of two long-serving players, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba. Both received standing ovations and a guard of honor from teammates as they were substituted in their final appearances for the club. Coaches Álvaro Arbeloa and Ernesto Valverde also stood on the touchline for the last time, adding to the night’s sentiment.

Despite the win, Real Madrid finished the season as runners-up behind Barcelona. The victory, however, provided fans and players with a memorable conclusion to the campaign, blending triumph with heartfelt goodbyes.

Barcelona ended their La Liga season as champions but suffered a 3-1 defeat to Valencia in their final match, which also marked Robert Lewandowski’s farewell appearance for the club. The Polish striker opened the scoring after an hour of play, calmly finishing inside the box to give Barcelona the lead.

Valencia quickly turned the game around within five minutes. Javi Guerra equalized with a fine finish, and Luis Rioja put the hosts ahead 2-1 following an attack created by Jesus Vazquez. Barcelona tried to recover but failed to find another goal. A potential penalty for Valencia was overturned after VAR confirmed the foul occurred outside the box.

In stoppage time, Guido Rodriguez sealed Valencia’s victory with a long-range strike. Despite the win, Valencia missed out on European qualification as Getafe and Rayo Vallecano both won their respective matches. For Barcelona, the season closed with a loss and an emotional farewell for Lewandowski.

Argentina’s national airline, Aerolíneas Argentinas, has prepared a specially designed Airbus aircraft named ‘Number Ten’ to accompany Lionel Messi and the national football team in their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America. The aircraft, now receiving final touches at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport, is painted in Argentina’s blue and white colors and features the iconic number 10 on its tail, symbolizing both Diego Maradona and Messi.

According to hangar shift manager Pablo da Grava, every part of the aircraft was created with the dream of winning a fourth World Cup in mind. The engines carry the captain’s armband symbol ‘C’ and three stars representing Argentina’s three previous titles. The design aims to embody national pride and emotion while serving as a good-luck charm for the team.

The team previously traveled on a similar aircraft during their victorious 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign, and both players and staff hope the new plane will bring the same fortune as they prepare for another global challenge.

England coach Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup, leaving out several high-profile players. Midfielder Phil Foden, winger Cole Palmer, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Harry Maguire were all excluded from the team. In their place, Tuchel included forwards Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, who have both enjoyed strong seasons. Watkins recently won the Europa League title, while Toney scored 32 goals in 32 matches in the Saudi Pro League.

Tuchel also left out midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, despite their strong Premier League performances. Veteran Jordan Henderson was recalled to replace Adam Wharton. Tuchel explained that it was emotionally difficult to inform the omitted players, saying he personally called those who had previously trained with the squad to express gratitude for their efforts.

England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, followed by matches against Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.

Star footballer Hamza Chowdhury dominated the Cool-BSPA Sports Awards 2025, organized by the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) on Friday at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. He received the top honor of Sports Person of the Year, surpassing female footballer Rituparna Chakma and hockey player Amirul Islam. Hamza also won the Popular Choice Award and the Best Footballer Award, marking a rare triple victory. In a video message, he expressed pride and gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout the year.

The event was presided over by BSPA President Rezwan Uz Zaman Rajib, with State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque attending as chief guest to present the awards. Square Toiletries Limited’s CEO Malik Mohammad Said attended as guest of honor, representing the event’s sponsor brand Cool, which has supported the awards for 11 consecutive years. BSPA honored 15 athletes, organizers, and institutions across 16 categories, continuing a tradition that began in 1964.

BSPA President Rajib noted that while Bangladesh’s sports journalism meets global standards, there remains room for improvement, and the association aims to establish a Sports Journalist Institute.

A new world record was set on Mount Everest as 274 climbers successfully reached the summit within 24 hours. Nepalese authorities confirmed the achievement on Thursday, May 21, 2026, citing favorable weather conditions that allowed a large number of climbers to ascend simultaneously via the southern route. Officials from the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal said such a high number of summits in one day had never been seen before.

Everest is typically climbed through two main routes: the southern route from Nepal and the northern route from Tibet, China. In 2019, 223 climbers summited via Nepal and 113 via China in a single day. This year, with China’s route closed, most climbers concentrated on the Nepal side. The season began slowly due to a large ice block hanging dangerously over the main route, but conditions later improved, allowing expeditions to resume.

Authorities said the climbing season will continue through the end of May, with about 494 foreign climbers and an equal number of Sherpa guides aiming to reach the 8,848.86-meter peak.

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named the world’s highest-paid athlete, topping Forbes’ latest list for the fourth consecutive year and sixth time overall. The 41-year-old Portuguese footballer, currently playing for Saudi club Al-Nassr, earned a total of $300 million over the past year. Of this, $225 million came from on-field income, while $65 million was generated through endorsements, sponsorships, and other commercial ventures.

The new Forbes ranking also saw Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez rise to second place, surpassing Lionel Messi despite a less successful year in the ring, including losing his super middleweight title to Terence Crawford. Álvarez earned $170 million in 2025. Messi, captain of Inter Miami, ranked third with $140 million, evenly split between on-field and off-field earnings.

Other notable names in the top ten include LeBron James, Shohei Ohtani, Stephen Curry, Jon Rahm, Karim Benzema, Kevin Durant, and Lewis Hamilton, underscoring Ronaldo’s enduring global popularity and brand value.