Real Madrid secured a place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after defeating Benfica 2-1 in the second leg of the playoff, winning 3-1 on aggregate. Despite missing Kylian Mbappé due to injury, Real overcame an early setback when Rafa Silva scored for Benfica. Aurélien Tchouaméni equalized with a long-range strike before Vinícius Júnior sealed victory with a late goal, marking his sixth in five matches. Real’s potential next opponent will be either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon.

Paris Saint-Germain also advanced after a 2-2 home draw with Monaco, progressing 5-4 on aggregate. Monaco led early but were reduced to ten men after Mamadou Koulibaly’s red card. Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored for PSG before Monaco’s stoppage-time equalizer. PSG will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round.

Atalanta produced a remarkable comeback, defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-1 to win 4-3 on aggregate, while Juventus were eliminated by Galatasaray, who triumphed 7-5 overall. The teams advancing from the playoff round include Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodø/Glimt, Newcastle, Galatasaray, PSG, and Real Madrid.

Argentine football star Lionel Messi has revealed that his biggest regret is not paying enough attention to his studies as a child, particularly not learning English. Speaking on the Mexican podcast 'Miro de Atras' with former Argentina goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman, Messi said he had time to study but failed to use it properly. The 2022 World Cup winner admitted that he often feels uncomfortable when language barriers arise, especially in conversations with prominent people, making him realize how much time he wasted.

Messi, who has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, said he now uses this life lesson to guide his three children. He encourages them to seize every opportunity and value education, emphasizing that they have even more chances than he did. Despite his unmatched football success, Messi’s reflection highlights a personal side rarely seen in public.

During the same podcast, Messi also mentioned that his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still uncertain but expressed a wish to avoid facing Mexico in the tournament.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign ended in the Super Eight stage after a 61-run defeat to New Zealand at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. Despite starting the tournament with three consecutive wins at home, the hosts suffered their third straight loss, becoming the first team to exit the Super Eight. New Zealand, batting first, scored 168 for seven, led by a 47-ball 84-run partnership between captain Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 107 in reply.

Mahish Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera each took three wickets for Sri Lanka, while Rachin Ravindra claimed four for 27 for New Zealand and was named player of the match. Kamindu Mendis (31) and Dunith Wellalage (29) offered brief resistance for the hosts but could not prevent a heavy defeat.

With three points from two matches, New Zealand strengthened their position in the semifinal race, while Sri Lanka’s elimination also made Pakistan’s qualification path more difficult.

The Bangladesh women's football team played a closed-door match in Sydney against Western Sydney Wanderers FC as part of their final preparations for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup. The match, held at the club’s home ground, allowed coach Peter Butler to test tactics, assess alternative players, and strengthen team coordination. Although the result was not disclosed, the game was described as highly competitive, boosting the team’s morale before the tournament.

Coach Butler had earlier expressed concern about inadequate preparation, as planned training camps and friendly matches in Thailand and the Philippines did not materialize. Instead, the players prepared domestically through the local women’s league, which he considered insufficient for the high-level competition ahead. Despite these challenges, the team is now focused on mental readiness and tactical improvement.

Bangladesh will begin their Asian Cup campaign on March 3 against defending champions China, followed by matches against North Korea and Uzbekistan. The team is currently undergoing recovery sessions at Valentine Sports Park before resuming training.

Newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque stated that Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza would be welcomed back if they are found innocent in their ongoing legal cases. He made the remarks while distributing iftar among underprivileged people at Vidyaniketan School in Pallabi, Dhaka, on February 25, 2026.

Aminul described both cricketers as legendary figures of Bangladesh and emphasized that their legal matters are part of state decisions. He said that if they face the legal process and return to the field after being cleared, the ministry will fully support their comeback. The minister reiterated that the government would remain flexible in such circumstances.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, Shakib has been unable to return from abroad and is accused in a murder case, while Mashrafe remains in hiding after his home in Narail was set on fire. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has already begun efforts to bring Shakib back to the national team.

On February 25, 2026, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. The meeting focused on enhancing Bangladesh’s friendly relations with other countries by prioritizing sports as a key area of cooperation.

Discussions highlighted the potential for improving bilateral relations through sports exchanges, international competitions, and mutual collaboration. Both ministers also exchanged views on developing a long-term action plan to effectively use sports diplomacy in promoting Bangladesh’s positive image on the global stage.

According to related sources, one of the main discussion points was using sports as a diplomatic tool to expand Bangladesh’s presence and acceptance internationally.

Bangladesh women’s football team is completing final preparations in Sydney ahead of their first-ever Asian Cup appearance. The team will play a closed-door friendly match today against Australian A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers. Head coach Peter Butler said he will use the match to assess the team’s strength, player mentality, and tactical options. The 26-member squad includes both experienced and young players, and Butler emphasized the need for a stronger mindset to perform well in the tournament.

In a video message released by the Bangladesh Football Federation, Butler praised the team’s dedication and training environment in Sydney, noting that he found no faults in their effort. He highlighted that mental readiness is now the key to success. The coach also expressed satisfaction with the facilities and food arrangements at Valentine’s Park, saying the players are enjoying the supportive atmosphere.

The Asian Cup begins on March 1 in Australia, with Bangladesh starting their campaign on March 3 against China. They are placed in Group B alongside North Korea and Uzbekistan, facing a tough challenge in their debut appearance.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has submitted all legal documents related to Shakib Al Hasan’s cases to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, marking the start of the process to bring him back to the country. BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury Sujon handed over the papers, and board director Asif Akbar confirmed the submission, expressing optimism that Shakib could return before the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

The government is reportedly taking a positive stance on Shakib’s situation, following earlier remarks from State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque about keeping sports and politics separate. Although Shakib’s return to Bangladesh appears likely, his participation in the Pakistan series will depend entirely on the national selectors. Meanwhile, Shakib is working on his fitness in the United Arab Emirates, signaling his eagerness to rejoin the national team.

Bangladesh’s home series against Pakistan will feature three ODIs at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on March 11, 13, and 15. Fans are anticipating Shakib’s return to home cricket after nearly two years.

A Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica will be broadcast live on February 25, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. The game will be available on Sony Ten, Sony Liv, and Tapmad. Other Champions League fixtures scheduled for the same night include Atalanta versus Borussia Dortmund at 11:45 p.m., and Juventus facing Galatasaray at 2:00 a.m. Additionally, PSG will play Monaco at 2:00 a.m.

The sports schedule also features cricket coverage, with the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand airing live at 7:30 p.m. on T Sports, Nagorik TV, and Star Sports. The listings highlight a busy evening for sports fans, offering both football and cricket action across multiple channels.

The broadcast lineup underscores the growing interest in international football and cricket among television audiences, with major European clubs and national teams featured prominently in the day’s programming.

England became the first team to reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup after defeating Pakistan by two wickets. The match, held on February 24, 2026, saw England chase down a target of 165 runs. Jofra Archer sealed the victory with a boundary off the first ball of the final over, sparking celebrations. Captain Harry Brook led from the front with a remarkable century, scoring 100 runs off 50 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes, marking the first century by any captain in this World Cup.

Pakistan, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted 164 for 9 in 20 overs, driven by Sahibzada Farhan’s 63. For England, Liam Dawson took 3 wickets for 24 runs, while Archer claimed 2 for 32. Despite Shaheen Afridi’s 4 for 30, Pakistan could not defend their total. The defeat left Pakistan’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.

With this win, England advanced to the semifinals ahead of all other teams, maintaining strong momentum in the tournament.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque announced that national footballers, including Dewan Hamza Chowdhury, Shamit Som, and Jamal Bhuiyan, will be brought under a government salary structure. The decision came after a meeting between the minister and Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) officials led by President Tabith Awal. The government will also transfer three major stadiums—Kamalapur, Sylhet, and Chattogram—to the BFF under formal agreements to address long-standing infrastructure and accommodation challenges.

Aminul Haque, himself a former national goalkeeper, emphasized that both male and female national players will receive monthly government contracts under a permanent pay system. He praised the consistent performance of the women’s team and said male players would also receive incentives. The meeting also discussed creating an annual calendar for age-based football tournaments to ensure regular competitions at the district level.

The minister added that the formal process for stadium handovers would begin soon, and the government aims to make inter-district leagues a permanent fixture across the country.

India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage suffered a major setback after a 76-run loss to South Africa. Despite entering the match as favorites, India collapsed for 111 runs while chasing a 188-run target. The defeat left India’s net run rate at –3.800, making their path to the semifinals significantly harder.

To qualify, India must now win both remaining Super Eight matches against West Indies and Zimbabwe. Two wins would give them four points, which usually secures a semifinal spot, but other results could complicate the scenario. If South Africa lose one of their remaining games and West Indies or Zimbabwe also beat them, three teams could finish with equal points, leaving net run rate as the deciding factor.

If India win only one of their next two matches, qualification becomes even more difficult. Their semifinal chances would then depend on South Africa winning all their matches and India’s victory coming against the right opponent. The large margin of defeat has left India’s campaign hanging on delicate mathematical possibilities.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has announced a plan to bring all national-level athletes under a government salary scheme. He revealed the initiative after a meeting with representatives of sports federations and organizations on February 23, 2026. The minister requested each federation to submit a one-year activity report within a week to assist in evaluation and planning.

Aminul Haque outlined a roadmap for sports development, stating that federations have been asked to provide lists of national players to determine salary grades. He aims to complete the necessary work during Ramadan and implement the plan after Eid. The minister also expressed his intention to ensure transparent elections across the sports sector, starting from the upazila and district levels before moving to federations. He mentioned that some of the 51 federations are inactive and that similar sports may be brought under unified bodies.

Representatives from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, including Vice President Faruk Ahmed and CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, attended the meeting and praised the minister’s vision and commitment to improving sports infrastructure and coordination.

Barcelona regained the top spot in the 2025/26 La Liga season after a commanding 3–0 victory over Levante. The Catalan side dominated from the start, with young midfielder Marc Bernal opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Frenkie de Jong doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, and Fermín López sealed the win in the 81st minute. The three points lifted Barcelona one point ahead of Real Madrid, strengthening their position in the title race.

In the English Premier League, Liverpool secured a dramatic 1–0 win against Nottingham Forest away from home. Despite being under pressure for much of the match, Liverpool’s defense and goalkeeper held firm. In the final moments, Alexis Mac Allister scored from close range after a rebound to secure the victory. The result moved Liverpool to sixth place in the league table with 45 points from 27 matches, boosting their push for a top-four finish. Arsenal also won 4–1 against Tottenham to remain at the top of the standings.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has banned former national women’s team selector and manager Manjurul Islam following confirmation of a sexual harassment allegation. The decision was made during an online board meeting on Sunday, according to a BCB source cited by the daily Amar Desh. The board acted after reviewing an investigation report that found the allegation, raised by cricketer Jahanara Alam, to be true.

Manjurul Islam, who is currently working with women’s cricket in China, was accused of sexually harassing Jahanara Alam during his tenure with the Bangladesh national women’s team. The BCB-formed investigation committee verified the complaint and recommended disciplinary action. Based on that recommendation, the board decided to ban him from all forms of cricket activities in Bangladesh.

The BCB also stated that it would support Jahanara Alam if she chooses to pursue legal action against Manjurul Islam, reflecting the board’s commitment to addressing misconduct within the sport.