Somali football referee Omar Artan, who had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, was denied entry into the United States despite holding all valid documents and a visa. After a long journey from Istanbul, Artan arrived at Miami International Airport, where US border officials detained and questioned him for about 11 hours before refusing him entry. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in any training or match duties for the tournament.

Upon returning to Somalia, Artan expressed disappointment, saying he believed the issue was related to his nationality. His arrival at Mogadishu airport turned into an emotional scene as hundreds of supporters greeted him with national flags, celebrating him as a national hero despite his missed opportunity.

Artan encouraged Somali youth not to lose hope in their country, vowing to aim for the next World Cup. His resilience and patriotism have resonated deeply with football fans around the world.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States ahead of officiating the 2026 World Cup opening match. Speaking to reporters in Mexico, Infantino described the incident as unfortunate but emphasized that FIFA has no control over national immigration or visa policies. He urged critics to remain calm and trust that FIFA is working behind the scenes to resolve the issue.

Infantino clarified that his earlier remarks about staying calm did not mean FIFA was inactive, stressing that the organization is seeking a positive solution within the limits of international regulations. He noted that major tournaments like the World Cup require coordination with various national policies and political realities. The FIFA president expressed hope that some positive news would emerge soon.

Somalia’s government has officially expressed regret over the incident and pledged to continue engaging with relevant parties to protect its citizen’s rights. A U.S. official defended the entry restrictions, citing the need to ensure security during the tournament.

Bangladesh created a remarkable moment in international cricket during the second One Day International against Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Winning the toss, Australian captain Josh Inglis chose to bat first, but his team suffered a disastrous start. Taskin Ahmed struck in the very first over, dismissing opener Matthew Short for zero. Mustafizur Rahman then took a wicket with his first ball, and before any runs were scored, Australia lost their third wicket, leaving them at 0 for 3.

This was the first time in Australia’s long ODI history that they lost their first three wickets without scoring a run. Bangladesh also achieved this for the first time in their own ODI history. Previously, Australia’s worst early collapse had been at 5 for 3. The event is extremely rare in world cricket, having occurred only three times before, involving Pakistan twice and Bangladesh once.

The performance followed Bangladesh’s historic win in the first ODI, boosting their confidence and marking one of the most memorable starts in the nation’s cricket history.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman unveiled a commemorative postage stamp valued at 10 taka to mark the World Cup. The unveiling took place on Thursday morning at his office in the National Parliament Secretariat. Alongside the stamp, he also released a souvenir sheet containing a 50-taka envelope and a 5-taka data card. A special seal was used during the ceremony.

The event was attended by Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, Ministry Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, and Additional Director General of the Postal Department S M Harunur Rashid. The ceremony highlighted the government’s initiative to commemorate major global events through national postal releases.

The commemorative items are expected to attract collectors and football enthusiasts, reflecting national enthusiasm for the World Cup celebration.

The United States government has come under sharp criticism from immigration and human rights experts over visa complications and entry denials affecting athletes, officials, and fans attending the FIFA World Cup. The controversy intensified after Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to officiate in the tournament, was denied entry at Miami airport despite holding a valid visa. The Department of Homeland Security cited “vetting concerns,” while the incident reignited debate about discrimination and immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Other affected participants include members of Iran’s football delegation, some of whom were denied visas and forced to base their team in Mexico, entering the US only for match days. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein and photographer Talal Salah faced lengthy detentions, while Haiti’s Woodensky Pierre received a delayed visa. Swiss forward Breel Embolo also faced a temporary travel block due to a prior conviction. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for a “massive rethink” of US immigration policies, warning against racial profiling and surveillance.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization cannot override government decisions, emphasizing that FIFA remains a sports body focused on finding solutions within its limited authority.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first in the second match of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Australian captain Josh Inglis opted to set a target after losing the first match, where Bangladesh had taken a 1–0 lead in the series.

Bangladesh’s bowlers had dominated the opening game with disciplined bowling, putting pressure on Australia’s batting lineup. To stay alive in the series, Australia must win this match, while a victory for Bangladesh would secure the series with one game remaining. The visitors aim for a big total, but the Mirpur pitch and Bangladesh’s recent bowling form could make scoring difficult.

Bangladesh made one change to their lineup, bringing back Soumya Sarkar in place of Saif Hasan. Australia fielded the same eleven that played the first match. The outcome of this game could determine the fate of the series.

Portugal concluded their final World Cup preparation match with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Leiria on Wednesday night. All eyes were on captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed two clear scoring opportunities, including one in the ninth minute. Despite his struggles, Pedro Neto opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a precise shot from the left side of the box. Nigeria equalized in the 37th minute through Akor Adams, ending the first half 1-1.

Coach Roberto Martínez made several changes after the break, but Ronaldo again failed to convert a chance early in the second half and was substituted in the 65th minute. Substitute Francisco Conceição later sealed the win in the 75th minute with a curling shot from the right flank. The result marked Portugal’s second consecutive 2-1 win after defeating Chile earlier, boosting confidence ahead of the World Cup.

Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K, which also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins tonight at Mexico’s historic Azteca Stadium, marking the start of the world’s largest sporting event. For the first time in FIFA’s 96-year history, the tournament is being jointly hosted by three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—across 17 cities. This edition also introduces an expanded format featuring 48 teams divided into 12 groups, resulting in a record 104 matches.

However, the celebration has been tempered by controversies surrounding immigration and visa issues in the United States. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry despite holding a valid visa, while Iran’s football federation reported complications in ticket distribution and visa denials for some staff. Iranian players have been allowed entry but under movement restrictions, and Iraq’s Aymen Hussein faced prolonged questioning at the airport.

Despite these disputes, global enthusiasm remains high. In Bangladesh, fans have embraced the World Cup with flags, jerseys, and debates over favorites like Argentina, Brazil, France, and Spain. The tournament may also mark the final appearance of legends such as Messi, Ronaldo, and Modric, while heralding a new generation of stars.

Argentina, the reigning world champion, has become embroiled in a security controversy just before the FIFA World Cup begins. Reports indicate that passport details of the entire Argentine squad, including captain Lionel Messi, were inadvertently disclosed ahead of their final warm-up match against Iceland in Alabama, United States. The leak reportedly occurred when a player list distributed before the match included passport numbers, which are normally redacted for privacy reasons.

The incident has raised questions about data protection and security management, particularly with the high-profile tournament set to start within days. Reuters reported that attempts were made to contact the Argentine Football Association for an official response, but neither the team nor the organizers had issued a statement at the time of publication.

Despite the off-field controversy, Argentina defeated Iceland 3–0 in front of nearly 88,000 spectators. The team will begin its World Cup title defense against Algeria next Wednesday, but the passport leak has cast a shadow over their preparations.

Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, citing growing controversies surrounding the upcoming World Cup. Speaking out after remaining silent for a long time, Gullit said that football is no longer the main focus of the tournament’s preparations. He argued that the World Cup, meant to unite people, is instead becoming a symbol of division, political disputes, travel restrictions, and administrative failures.

Gullit pointed to reports of ticket withdrawals for Iranian fans and the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was allegedly denied entry to the host country despite being appointed by FIFA. He said these incidents strike at the core values the World Cup represents. Gullit criticized FIFA for failing to ensure fairness and accessibility for fans, officials, and participants, stressing that leadership means taking responsibility in times of crisis.

He also expressed concern over the rising costs of attending the World Cup, warning that the event risks turning into an exclusive affair for corporations and wealthy spectators. Gullit concluded that if accountability and strong leadership cannot be ensured under the current administration, a change in FIFA leadership may be necessary.

Bangladesh stands on the brink of a historic achievement as it faces Australia in the second One Day International (ODI) of a three-match series at Mirpur today. After defeating Australia in the opening match, Bangladesh leads the series 1–0 and needs just one more victory to secure its first-ever ODI series win against the visitors. The team, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, enters the match with strong confidence, buoyed by three consecutive home series victories.

All-rounder Mosaddek Hossain Saikat expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s chances, saying the team believes in its process and ability to win. The pace attack, featuring Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman, played a key role in dismantling the Australian batting lineup in the first match, raising expectations for another strong performance.

Australia, meanwhile, aims to bounce back after the opening defeat. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey said the team still has two matches to recover and intends to correct earlier mistakes. The outcome will determine whether Bangladesh makes history or Australia stages a comeback.

Lionel Messi set another historic milestone for Argentina by becoming the nation’s oldest goalscorer. In a World Cup warm-up match against Iceland in Alabama, Argentina won 3–0, with Messi scoring from a penalty in the 72nd minute. At 38 years, 11 months, and 17 days old, he surpassed Ángel Amadeo Labruna’s 68-year-old record, which had stood since 1957 when Labruna scored against Brazil at 38 years, 9 months, and 9 days.

Messi now has 117 goals for Argentina, far ahead of Gabriel Batistuta’s 55. Over a 21-year international career, he has played 199 matches for the national team. His next appearance, in Argentina’s opening World Cup match, will mark his 200th cap. Despite breaking Labruna’s scoring record, Messi has yet to surpass Labruna’s record as Argentina’s oldest player, set at 39 years, 8 months, and 16 days during the 1958 World Cup.

Messi also has the chance to become Argentina’s oldest World Cup goalscorer if he scores in the upcoming tournament, surpassing Martín Palermo’s record from 2010.

A new statistical study by Brazil’s Globo platform ‘Gato Mestre’ has revealed that Bayern Munich leads all clubs in total goals scored by their players in FIFA World Cup history. Covering tournaments from 1930 to 2026, the research found that players from 492 clubs have scored at least once on the World Cup stage. Bayern Munich currently holds the top spot with 79 goals, followed closely by Barcelona with 78 and Real Madrid with 77.

The top five clubs in the ranking are all European, with Inter Milan in fourth place at 71 goals and Juventus fifth with 59. Outside Europe, Uruguay’s historic club Peñarol ranks ninth globally, with its players contributing 39 World Cup goals. Among South American clubs, Brazil’s Vasco da Gama leads with 29 goals, while Argentina’s River Plate tops its national list with 22.

Despite progress in Asian club football, no Asian club has yet entered the top 25 in World Cup goal rankings. Analysts expect the competition among top European clubs to intensify in upcoming tournaments.

A vibrant parade was organized by Argentina football supporters in Lalpur upazila of Natore to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2026. The event, held on Tuesday afternoon, saw hundreds of fans dressed in blue and white jerseys and waving both national and Argentine flags. The procession started from the Sri Sundari Pilot Model High School and College field and moved through the main roads of the upazila, turning the entire area into a festive scene.

During the parade, football enthusiasts cheered, clapped, and joined in the celebration with their families, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. Organizers said the event aimed to spread enthusiasm for the upcoming World Cup and inspire young people to engage more in sports. They emphasized that football fosters global harmony, friendship, and solidarity.

Participants expressed hope that the excitement surrounding the World Cup would continue to grow and strengthen community bonds through shared passion for football.

The United States faces new uncertainty ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as nearly 2,000 hospitality workers at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium have voted in favor of a strike. The $5.5 billion venue, to be known as Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament, is scheduled to host eight matches, including the host nation’s opening game against Paraguay on June 12. According to The Wall Street Journal, 96 percent of union members supported the strike authorization.

Unionized workers, including servers, bartenders, cooks, and other service staff, are demanding better wages, protection against subcontracting, and job security. They have also expressed concern over recent immigration enforcement fears. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said federal authorities will assist with security during the matches but clarified that they will not enforce immigration laws.

Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, stated that workers are struggling to pay rent despite the expected profits from the World Cup. Legends Global, the company managing food and hospitality operations, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement through negotiations. Failure to do so could disrupt the United States–Paraguay match and other fixtures at the venue.