Former Bangladesh cricket captain Aminul Islam Bulbul has sent a 14-page letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting the suspension of financial assistance to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and his reinstatement as board president. According to a Cricbuzz report, Bulbul questioned the legitimacy of the current BCB board led by Tamim Iqbal. The ICC has informed the BCB about receiving the letter, and the current board has submitted its response defending its position.

The dispute follows the October BCB election, which was later annulled by the National Sports Council (NSC) on April 7 due to alleged irregularities. Bulbul had been elected president in that election. The NSC subsequently formed an 11-member ad hoc committee headed by Tamim Iqbal to run operations and organize a new election within 90 days. The election was held on June 7, and Tamim was elected president for a four-year term.

An ICC delegation visited Dhaka on June 1 to review the situation and met with both Bulbul’s former committee members and the ad hoc committee. The ICC stated that its findings would be presented to its board, but the results have not yet been made public.

A major controversy has arisen during the World Cup match between Brazil and Scotland after Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior’s goal in the 25th minute was disallowed. Although Brazil went on to win 3–0, the decision by Mexican referee Cesar Ramos and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team to cancel the goal has sparked widespread debate. The referee ruled that Vinicius had fouled Scottish defender Jack Hendry just before scoring, following a VAR review that showed slight contact between the players.

BBC rules expert and former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann sharply criticized the decision during the live broadcast. He stated that referee Ramos made a clear mistake, arguing that the contact was minimal and did not constitute a foul. According to Cann, Vinicius merely held his position while the defender initiated the contact. He added that Scotland was fortunate to benefit from the call, describing the outcome as lucky for the team.

The incident has fueled ongoing discussions about the consistency of VAR decisions and their impact on key World Cup moments.

The US Department of Homeland Security has partially eased travel restrictions on Iran’s national football team during the ongoing World Cup. Under the new decision, the Iranian squad is allowed to enter the United States two days before their final group-stage match against Egypt. However, the team must leave the country immediately after the match on Saturday morning. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Taskforce, said the move was preplanned and aimed at reducing travel fatigue after observing the team’s earlier travel arrangements.

Iran had previously expressed frustration over strict travel limits that allowed entry only one day before matches, hindering player fitness and adaptation. Due to regional conflict, the team faced administrative and logistical challenges, including relocating its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Several support staff and federation officials were also denied US visas. Following the new decision, the team departed Tijuana for Seattle.

Iran currently sits second in Group G with two points from two draws and will face Egypt in a decisive match for a knockout-stage berth.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that he will jointly present the World Cup trophy with U.S. President Donald Trump at the final on July 19. The decision marks a break from FIFA’s long-standing protocol, under which the FIFA President alone hands the trophy to the winning team’s captain. Infantino disclosed the plan during an interview with Fox & Friends, saying, “We are always together.”

The move has sparked renewed debate in the football world about Infantino’s close relationship with Trump. The FIFA chief had previously drawn criticism for awarding Trump the “FIFA Peace Prize” during a World Cup draw event. Trump also broke protocol last season by handing the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, which caused confusion among players and widespread criticism. Historically, only FIFA presidents such as Sepp Blatter or Infantino have presented the trophy, though exceptions occurred when Queen Elizabeth II and King Juan Carlos did so in 1966 and 1982 respectively.

Infantino’s latest decision has reignited controversy over the blending of politics and football ceremonies.

Ghana held England to a goalless draw but controversy erupted over a late penalty appeal that was not reviewed by VAR. Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz expressed frustration, sarcastically suggesting that the video assistant referee might have been on a coffee break. The incident occurred when Ghana’s Prince Kwabena Adu was challenged by England defender Ezri Konsa inside the box, with replays showing contact on Adu’s knee rather than the ball.

Queiroz questioned whether VAR was functioning properly and argued that the foul warranted both a penalty and a red card. BBC analysts, including former England captain Wayne Rooney and ex-defender Micah Richards, agreed that the challenge could easily have been penalized. Former assistant referee Darren Cann also said the referee should have been advised to review the incident.

Analysts noted that FIFA’s current VAR policy under chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina gives more authority to on-field referees, reducing VAR intervention in borderline cases. Ghana, despite earning one point, left the match questioning whether VAR had truly seen the incident.

Brazil will play their final Group C match against Scotland on Wednesday at Miami Stadium, starting at 4 a.m. Bangladesh time. Although the team has already secured a place in the knockout stage, their focus now is on finishing as group leaders. Both Brazil and Morocco have four points after two matches, with Brazil holding a superior goal difference of +3 compared to Morocco’s +1. If both teams win, goal difference will determine the group winner.

Historically, Brazil has dominated Scotland, winning eight of their ten previous encounters, with two matches ending in draws. According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, coach Carlo Ancelotti is not planning major changes to the lineup that defeated Haiti. Bournemouth’s young forward Ryan may replace Raphinha in the starting eleven after being seen training with the main squad.

Neymar Jr., recovering from injury, will not start but could appear as a substitute. Midfielders Casemiro and Douglas Santos will need to avoid yellow cards to remain eligible for the knockout round.

Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful is set to travel to Zimbabwe with the national team after 13 years, this time as the team’s batting coach rather than a player. In a Facebook post, Ashraful expressed his emotions about returning to the country where he both began and ended his international playing career. His last international series was in Zimbabwe in 2013, and now he returns there in a new coaching role.

Ashraful mentioned that he has been working with the national team for the past seven months, participating in all home series during that period. This will be his first overseas assignment as batting coach. He described the opportunity to return to a place filled with memories in a new capacity as one of the most beautiful aspects of cricket.

He requested prayers for himself and the Bangladesh team, expressing hope that he can contribute to the team’s progress in his new role. The Zimbabwe tour marks a significant new chapter in his long cricketing journey.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has turned into a dramatic contest among three football superstars—Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland—each chasing records and goals. In Dallas, Messi scored twice against Austria, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record with 18 goals. All five of Argentina’s goals so far have come from the 38-year-old captain, underscoring his dominance and longevity on the world stage.

Mbappé, France’s captain, scored twice against Iraq in his 100th international match, bringing his World Cup tally to 16 goals across three tournaments. Analysts note his rapid rise and potential to challenge Messi’s new record. Meanwhile, Norway’s Haaland, in his debut World Cup, has scored four goals in two matches, equaling Mbappé’s total and setting new milestones for his country. Former players and commentators have praised the trio’s contrasting styles and relentless pursuit of goals.

After two matches, Messi leads with five goals, followed by Mbappé and Haaland with four each. This marks only the second time in World Cup history that three players have scored four or more goals after the first two games, setting the stage for an intense Golden Boot race.

South Africa and South Korea are set to meet in a crucial Group A match at the Monterrey Stadium on Thursday at 7 a.m. Bangladesh time. The game will determine which team advances to the knockout stage of the ongoing World Cup, as it marks the final group fixture for both sides.

South Africa, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, began their campaign with a 2–0 loss to Mexico and a 1–1 draw with the Czech Republic, where Teboho Mokoena scored from a penalty. However, Mokoena will miss this match due to suspension, forcing coach Hugo Broos to find a midfield replacement. The team has not won in its last six international matches, drawing three and losing three.

South Korea, after defeating the Czech Republic in their opener, lost 1–0 to Mexico. A win in this match would secure their place in the round of 32. Despite criticism of coach Hong Myung-bo, the team relies on captain Son Heung-min and midfielder Lee Kang-in, both expected to start. The encounter is seen as one of the most decisive in the group stage.

Croatia celebrated Luka Modric’s 200th international appearance with a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama on June 24, 2026, at Toronto Stadium. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the only goal in the 54th minute, keeping Croatia’s hopes alive in Group L of the World Cup. The 2018 runners-up now remain in contention for the knockout stage, while Panama’s second consecutive defeat confirmed their exit from the tournament.

The match was a must-win for both sides. Croatia started aggressively, with Modric heading wide early on, but Panama created the better chances in the first half. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made key saves to deny Murillo and José Luis Rodríguez. Budimir’s decisive strike came from a precise cross by Josip Stanisic, and despite Panama’s late pressure, Croatia held firm.

With this win, Croatia strengthened their position in Group L, trailing England and Ghana by just one point. A victory over Ghana in their final group match would secure their place in the knockout round.

England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in a World Cup group match played in Boston on June 24, 2026. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, England failed to break through Ghana’s solid defense. Both teams had won their opening matches, but the result was more disappointing for England, who controlled nearly 79 percent of possession yet could not score.

Ghana adopted a defensive strategy from the start, building a two-layered backline led by Thomas Partey. England’s attacks through Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice were repeatedly denied by Ghana’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and a resilient defense. The match marked the first goalless draw of the tournament, which had already seen a record number of goals.

The draw was historic for Ghana, who kept clean sheets in consecutive World Cup matches for the first time. England, meanwhile, set unwanted records for their 23rd World Cup draw and 13th goalless match, both tournament highs. With four points each, both teams remain in contention for the round of 32.

Lionel Messi turned frustration into triumph as Argentina defeated Austria 2–0 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas. After missing a penalty early in the match, Messi scored twice to surpass Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals, becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 18. His goals also secured Argentina’s place in the knockout stage with two consecutive wins and six points.

The match highlighted Messi’s enduring brilliance at age 38, as he delivered a performance of precision and artistry. His first goal came in the 38th minute through a fluid team move, while his second, in injury time, sealed both the victory and his new record. Argentina’s midfield, led by Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister, showed strength, though the team occasionally struggled under Austria’s pressing.

Despite some attacking limitations, Argentina’s reliance on Messi’s creativity remains their greatest asset. As he turns 39, Messi continues to redefine longevity and excellence in football, proving that even missed chances can ignite greatness.

Lionel Messi delivered another historic performance as Argentina defeated Austria 2–0, with both goals scored by the captain. The victory not only ensured Argentina’s place in the last 32 of the World Cup but also made Messi the all-time top scorer in the tournament’s history. His teammates and coach celebrated the achievement with high praise and emotion.

Forward Julián Álvarez called Messi the greatest in football history, noting his sustained excellence over two decades. Midfielder Leandro Paredes described Messi’s form as unbelievable, saying he amazes the team in every training session and match. Defender Lisandro Martínez said Messi stands alone at the top and expressed pride in sharing the field with him. Coach Lionel Scaloni lauded Messi’s leadership, saying the team finds rhythm when he is in form and praised his work ethic even in difficult moments.

Messi’s extraordinary form has reignited Argentina’s dream of becoming the third nation, after Italy and Brazil, to win consecutive World Cups.

Former Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has claimed that Lionel Messi’s record-breaking goal in Argentina’s 2–0 victory over Austria was illegal. The match, held on June 23, 2026, saw Messi surpass Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal record to become the top scorer in World Cup history. The Argentine captain, aged 39, scored in the 38th minute after missing a penalty earlier in the match. He later added another goal in injury time, bringing his total to 18 World Cup goals.

Schmeichel, serving as an analyst for Fox Sports, argued that the first goal should have been disallowed because Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister fouled Austria’s midfielder Xaver Schlager just before the goal. He said the incident was a clear free-kick and that VAR should have intervened to cancel the goal, calling it a clear referee mistake. Despite the controversy, Messi’s second goal secured Argentina’s win and cemented his place as the all-time leading World Cup scorer.

The match also marked Messi’s third missed penalty in World Cup history, the most by any player in the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final venue, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has become the center of controversy after players from Brazil and France criticized the pitch conditions. Following matches on June 13 between Brazil and Morocco (1–1) and on June 16 between France and Senegal (3–1), players and coaches from both teams expressed dissatisfaction with the field. Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior said the dry grass slowed the game due to heat, while French coach Didier Deschamps described the pitch as “different” and “special.” Midfielder Adrien Rabiot went further, calling it as hard as artificial turf and questioning whether it met international standards.

FIFA dismissed the complaints, stating there was no reason for concern about the field’s quality. The organization said it had worked for over five years with turf experts and stadium authorities to ensure the best and safest conditions for players. FIFA added that despite visual concerns about some areas, its turf management team found the surface fully compliant and performing as expected for a major tournament.

The stadium is scheduled to host the World Cup final on July 19, along with several knockout and group-stage matches before that date.