Norway has announced its 26-member squad for the upcoming World Cup, marking the country's return to the tournament after 28 years. In a rare move, King Harald V of Norway personally revealed the team through a social media video message, a role traditionally performed by the coach. The announcement included a surprise call-up for 23-year-old goalkeeper Sander Tangvik, who replaced injured Mathias Dyngeland.

Midfielder Martin Ødegaard has been named captain of the team, which also features star striker Erling Haaland, along with Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen. Norway’s World Cup campaign will begin on June 17 in Boston against Iraq, followed by matches against Senegal in New Jersey on June 23 and France on June 26.

The announcement reflects Norway’s renewed ambition on the global football stage, with a balanced squad combining Premier League experience and emerging domestic talent.

Bangladeshi International Master (IM) Mohammad Fahad Rahman, a student of Sonargaon University’s Fashion Design Department, has achieved his second Grandmaster (GM) norm. He secured the milestone through an outstanding performance at the Fubi Academy Norm Chess Tournament held in Istanbul, Turkey. Competing in a round-robin format, Fahad scored seven points out of nine games, remaining undefeated and emerging as the tournament champion.

Fahad had previously earned his first GM norm at the Hanoi Grandmasters Chess Tournament in Vietnam in March 2024. His latest success follows years of consistent participation in both domestic and international events. In a prior tournament, he narrowly missed achieving a norm in the final round, but this time he maintained composure and confidence to secure victory. A crucial win in the eighth round against Iranian International Master Pour Agha Bala Amirreza, rated 2453, paved the way for his success.

Sonargaon University expressed deep pride in Fahad’s achievement, stating that his success will inspire other students and strengthen Bangladesh’s presence in the international chess arena.

Al-Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title after defeating Damac 4–1 at Al-Awwal Park on May 22, 2026. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, marking his first major trophy since joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr. The Riyadh-based club ended a long wait for the league crown, last winning it in 2019. Sadio Mané opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, followed by Kingsley Coman’s strike early in the second half. Damac briefly narrowed the gap through a penalty by Morlaye Sylla, but Ronaldo sealed the victory with two goals in the 63rd minute and late in the match.

The win brought Al-Nassr to 86 points from 34 matches, with 28 wins and two draws, edging out Al-Hilal, who finished with 84 points despite winning their final game. Ronaldo’s brace took his league tally to 28 goals this season and 973 in his professional career. The triumph ended years of frustration for both the club and the Portuguese star, who finally lifted a major domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia.

The victory also capped a season of redemption for Al-Nassr after earlier setbacks, including a missed opportunity in the AFC Champions League Two final.

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr. has sustained a minor calf injury just days after being named in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. According to Santos club doctor Rodrigo Zogaib, Neymar has swelling in his right leg and will need to rest and remain under observation for several days. The injury, though not serious, has kept him out of regular training and the recent Copa Libertadores match against San Lorenzo, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Santos is prioritizing Neymar’s full recovery before he joins the national team camp, which begins on May 27 at Granja Comary. The club aims to ensure he regains full fitness before leaving for international duty. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly reviewed Neymar’s medical reports and spoke directly with the player before confirming his inclusion in the 26-man squad.

While there is no major alarm in the Brazil camp, Neymar faces a race against time to be fully fit before Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13.

Bangladesh completed a historic 2–0 Test series whitewash against Pakistan after winning the second match in Sylhet by 79 runs. Chasing 437, Pakistan were bowled out for 358 despite Mohammad Rizwan’s 94. Spinner Taijul Islam took six wickets to seal Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series whitewash over Pakistan, following a similar result in Pakistan in 2024.

Former Pakistan players reacted strongly on social media. Wasim Akram expressed disappointment but credited Bangladesh for playing complete cricket and praised their improved pitches and pace attack. Azhar Ali highlighted Bangladesh’s long-term development process and urged Pakistan to improve in all departments. Commentator Ramiz Raja commended Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership and Bangladesh’s shift from defensive spin tactics to more competitive conditions, while warning that Pakistan’s weaknesses are deepening. Mohammad Hafeez pointed to structural issues in Pakistan cricket and called for administrative reforms.

The reactions underscored growing concern over Pakistan’s decline and recognition of Bangladesh’s transformation into a more balanced Test side.

Mohammedan Sporting Club took a 2-1 lead over Bashundhara Kings in the first half of the Federation Cup final, held a day later than scheduled at Kings Arena. The match, filled with intensity and excitement, drew strong attention from football fans. Uzbek midfielder Mozafarov opened the scoring for Mohammedan with a free kick in the fifth minute, but Bashundhara Kings quickly equalized through a penalty converted by Dorielton Gomez.

Kings had a chance to go ahead when Rakib found the net, but the goal was ruled offside. Mohammedan then earned a penalty after midfielder Shafiqul Hossain was fouled by defender Tapu Barman, but Mozafarov’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon. In the 33rd minute, Saurav Dewan restored Mohammedan’s lead, finishing from Jahid Hasan’s pass inside the box. The first half ended with Mohammedan leading 2-1.

The final’s dramatic exchanges and missed opportunities set the stage for a tense second half as both teams chase the Federation Cup title.

Bangladesh secured a historic 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in Sylhet, prompting batting coach Mohammad Ashraful to post an emotional message on social media. He praised the consistent performances of the team’s batters over the past six months, calling their dominance on the pitch remarkable. According to Ashraful, Bangladesh recorded seven centuries and fourteen fifties in the last four Tests against Ireland and Pakistan, highlighting Mominul Haque’s achievement of five consecutive fifties.

Ashraful also expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance in limited-overs formats. He noted that Bangladesh scored two centuries and six fifties in the last six One Day Internationals, while four half-centuries came in five T20 matches. He singled out Towhid Hridoy’s 83-run innings as one of the standout performances. The former captain said he felt fortunate to be part of the team’s transformation and proud to contribute behind the scenes.

Ashraful concluded his message by expressing hope that Bangladesh cricket will continue to progress further in the coming days.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has congratulated the national cricket team for their 2-0 Test series victory against Pakistan. In a message to the media on Wednesday, he praised the players, coaches, and Bangladesh Cricket Board officials for their outstanding performance, calling the win a historic achievement for the nation.

Rahman highlighted that after triumphs in Mirpur and Sylhet, the team’s 78-run victory in the second and final Test brought immense pride to the country. He noted that Bangladesh’s four consecutive Test wins over Pakistan reflected the players’ determination and capability. He commended the team’s courage, skill, and unity in overcoming strong opposition and said the victory had filled the nation with joy and pride.

The opposition leader expressed hope that such sporting success would inspire the country’s youth and strengthen Bangladesh’s reputation internationally. He wished the players, coaching staff, and officials continued health and success in the future.

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the Sylhet Test, completing a historic series whitewash on home soil. This is the first time Bangladesh have swept Pakistan in a home Test series, and the second consecutive series they have whitewashed the same opponent. Liton Das and Taijul Islam were the key performers, with Liton scoring a century in the first innings and Taijul taking six wickets in the final innings to seal the victory.

Following this win, Bangladesh climbed to fifth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings, overtaking India. Bangladesh now hold a win percentage of 58.33, while India dropped to sixth with 48.15 percent after nine matches. Bangladesh have played four matches in the 2025–27 Test Championship cycle, winning two, losing one, and drawing one.

Australia lead the standings with an 87.50 percent win rate, followed by New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka in second to fourth positions respectively. The Sylhet victory further strengthens Bangladesh’s position in the ongoing Test Championship race.

Arsenal have secured the English Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, clinching the championship with one match remaining. The North London club, led by Mikel Arteta, were confirmed as champions on Tuesday night after Manchester City failed to win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. City needed a victory to stay in contention but were held to a 1-1 draw, ending their title hopes.

After 37 matches, Arsenal have collected 82 points, while Manchester City stand at 78. Even if City win their final match, they cannot surpass Arsenal’s total. This marks Arsenal’s first league triumph since the 2003–04 season, turning years of near misses into celebration for the club and its supporters.

Arsenal will face Crystal Palace in their final league match, which now serves as a celebration rather than a title decider. The team also has a chance to complete a double, as they are set to meet Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30.

An inter-batch futsal tournament was held at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University under the patronage of Md. Tarikul Islam Tarik, Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Central Committee. The three-day competition, managed by students of the 16th batch, featured seven teams from different batches. In the final match, the 17th batch defeated the 16th batch 2–0 in a tiebreaker after a goalless draw in regular and extra time.

Following the final, trophies and prizes were awarded to the champion and runner-up teams by Institute Director Dr. Mahbuba Sultana and Student Adviser Dr. Sheikh Touhidul Islam. Rakibuzzaman Ratul of the 17th batch was named best player of the final, while his teammate Mahmudul Hasan Tanvir was chosen as the tournament’s best player. Jalal Ahmed of the 17th batch was recognized as best goalkeeper, and Mehedi Hasan Toru of the 16th batch as top scorer.

Tarikul Islam Tarik stated that such sports events encourage youth participation in healthy activities and foster mutual harmony and psychological development among students.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has announced his provisional World Cup squad, including 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who is poised to make history as the first male footballer to appear in six World Cups. The announcement was made ahead of the 2026 tournament, with Martinez emphasizing Ronaldo’s continued importance to the team. The squad currently includes 27 players, meaning at least one will be dropped to meet FIFA’s 23–26 player limit.

Ronaldo will be joined by key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes, while forward Gonçalo Guedes has earned a surprise call-up. Defensive midfielder Samuel Costa, with only four international appearances, is also included. Notable omissions are Mateus Fernandes, António Silva, Paulinho, Pedro Gonçalves, and Ricardo Horta. Portugal has been drawn in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If Argentina’s Lionel Messi is also selected for his national team, he could share Ronaldo’s record of six World Cup appearances, pending Argentina’s final squad announcement.

Bangladesh’s senior cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim scored his 14th Test century during the ongoing Test match against Pakistan in Sylhet, setting a new national record. His disciplined and determined batting helped Bangladesh build a strong position in the match. Mushfiqur reached his half-century off 103 balls with one six and three boundaries, later converting it into a century that placed him ahead of Mominul Haque, who has 13 Test centuries. His innings featured a crucial 123-run partnership with Liton Das and valuable contributions with the tailenders, adding 112 runs to the team’s total.

Mushfiqur’s performance came after a modest first innings of 23 runs, showing his resilience and focus in the second innings. His leadership and experience were evident as he guided younger and lower-order players, including Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shariful Islam, and Nahid Rana, through the innings. Taijul later noted that batting alongside a senior like Mushfiqur made the game easier and more instructive.

With this century, Mushfiqur now holds Bangladesh’s records for most Test matches (102), most runs, longest Test career (21 years), and most centuries, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of the national team.

Brazilian football star Neymar Junior has been included in Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, ending months of speculation about his participation. Concerns over his injury, surgery, and fitness had cast doubt on his availability, but coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Neymar’s inclusion during a press conference at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.

The announcement sparked excitement as Ancelotti read Neymar’s name, confirming that Brazil will pursue its sixth World Cup title with the forward in the lineup. Other key players named include Alisson Becker, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Danilo, Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá, Endrick, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Vinícius Junior. One notable omission from the squad is Rodrygo, whose absence was described as a major surprise.

With Neymar’s return, Brazil’s campaign under Ancelotti is set to focus on reclaiming global dominance, as the team prepares to embark on its “hexa mission” for a sixth World Cup title.

Barcelona defeated Real Betis 3–1 at Spotify Camp Nou on May 18, 2026, marking a historic night for the club. The victory not only sealed a perfect home record across all 38 La Liga matches but also became the first such achievement in Spanish football history. The evening was further marked by an emotional farewell from Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who played his final home match for the Catalan side.

Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022 during the club’s financial crisis, won seven trophies including three La Liga titles over four years. Wearing the captain’s armband, the 37-year-old was substituted in the 85th minute and waved tearfully to fans. Teammates Raphinha, Pedri, and Araújo honored him by ensuring he captained the match, while coach Hansi Flick praised him as both a world-class player and a remarkable person.

Although this was his last home appearance, Lewandowski is set to play one final match for Barcelona next week against Valencia, closing a memorable chapter in his career.