Eight additional teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the total to 42 confirmed participants out of 48. The final six teams will be determined through playoffs in March 2025. Spain clinched their place after a 2–2 draw with Turkey, extending their unbeaten streak to 31 matches. Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland, and Austria also secured qualification from Europe, joining earlier qualifiers Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany. In the CONCACAF region, Panama, Haiti, and Curaçao earned their spots, with Curaçao becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Hosts United States, Mexico, and Canada automatically qualified. The European playoffs will feature 12 group runners-up and four top Nations League teams. The World Cup draw is scheduled for December 5, 2024, marking the first edition to feature 48 teams across North America.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the final match against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The incident occurred in the 21st over when Babar, after being dismissed, struck the stumps with his bat in frustration. The offense was categorized as a Level 1 violation, resulting in one demerit point being added to his disciplinary record. Since Babar accepted the charge and admitted his mistake, no formal hearing was required. The punishment comes just after Babar ended a long century drought, scoring his first international hundred in 807 days and 83 innings. Despite his return to form, the disciplinary issue has drawn criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board and former players, who have urged the star batter to maintain composure and set a better example for younger cricketers.

Bangladesh’s national football team achieved a historic 2-1 victory over India at the National Stadium, marking their first win against the neighboring rival in 22 years. The thrilling match drew a packed crowd, including dignitaries and sports enthusiasts. Following the victory, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan visited the dressing room to celebrate with the players and announced a Tk 20 million bonus for the team in recognition of their outstanding performance. Team manager Amer Khan stated that the announcement has further motivated the players. Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President also congratulated the team and joined them for a celebratory dinner. Star player Hamza is set to leave for England the next morning. Previously, the same adviser had rewarded women footballers with Tk 15 million for their achievements in SAFF and Asia Cup qualifications, while BFF’s earlier promise of Tk 15 million to the women’s team remains unfulfilled.

Bangladesh achieved a historic 1-0 victory over India in the third-round return leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers held at Dhaka National Stadium on November 18. Sheikh Morsalin’s early goal in the 12th minute sealed the win, marking Bangladesh’s first home victory against India in 22 years. Indian media outlets reacted sharply, labeling the defeat as 'embarrassing,' 'humiliating,' and one of the biggest failures of the 21st century for Indian football. Publications such as India Today, The Indian Express, NDTV, Times Now, First Post, and Anandabazar criticized India’s poor performance and lack of finishing. The loss left India winless after five matches, placing them at the bottom of Group C, while Bangladesh celebrated a morale-boosting triumph. The victory has been hailed as a new chapter for Bangladesh’s emerging football generation, inspiring renewed hope among fans despite their elimination from the next round.

Scotland secured a historic return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years by defeating Denmark 4-2 in a dramatic Group C qualifier. The Scots last appeared in the World Cup in 1998, making this qualification a landmark achievement for a new generation of players. Despite Denmark dominating possession with 63% and taking 20 shots, Scotland proved clinical, converting four of their five shots on target. Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a spectacular bicycle kick in the third minute, followed by goals from Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean. Denmark equalized twice through Rasmus Højlund and Patrick Dorgu but ultimately fell short. With four wins, one draw, and one loss, Scotland topped Group C with 13 points, while Denmark finished second with 11 points and will head to the playoffs. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Scotland as the team booked their long-awaited World Cup ticket.

Bangladesh’s top order faltered early on the first day of the Dhaka Test against Ireland, losing three wickets before reaching 100 runs. Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam gave the hosts a solid start with a 50-run partnership, but Shadman fell for 35 to Andy McBrine, who went on to claim all three wickets. Joy followed soon after for 34, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for just 8. At lunch, Bangladesh were 100 for 3, with Mominul Haque batting on 17 and Mushfiqur Rahim, playing his 100th Test, on 3. Having won the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first, aiming to build on their series lead after a convincing win in the previous Test. Ireland’s disciplined bowling, led by McBrine, kept the hosts in check during the morning session.

Zakaria Pintoo, the first captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team and a pioneering figure in Bangladesh’s sporting history, appears to have been largely forgotten just one year after his passing on November 18 last year. Despite his immense contributions to football and national pride, no significant tributes or commemorations were observed on his first death anniversary. Pintoo, who captained the team that symbolized Bangladesh’s independence struggle in 1971, had an illustrious career with clubs like Mohammedan SC and even represented Pakistan before independence. He later served as a senior official in the Bangladesh Football Federation and the National Sports Council. Honored with the Independence Award and National Sports Award, Pintoo’s legacy remains unmatched. However, his family expressed deep disappointment that neither football officials nor players remembered him, reflecting a broader neglect of the nation’s sports heroes.

Bangladesh secured a historic football victory over India after 22 years, with Sheikh Morsalin scoring the decisive goal. The match carried emotional and political undertones, as fans displayed a tifo reading 'From Teesta to Felani, how many more victims?', referencing long-standing border and water disputes between the two nations. Chants like 'Dhaka, not Delhi!' echoed throughout the stadium, reflecting national pride and frustration over unresolved bilateral issues. Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan had promised to fight for every inch, and his team delivered on that vow. India, desperate to win, brought back retired star Sunil Chhetri and fielded Ryan Williams without FIFA clearance, but their efforts fell short. The victory not only ended a long drought but also symbolized Bangladesh’s growing confidence and unity both on and off the field.

Bangladesh secured a historic 1-0 victory over India, marking their first win against the neighbors in 22 years since 2003. The match, held in Bangladesh, saw strong performances from the home side, particularly from defensive midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who played a crucial role in maintaining the lead. Indian coach Khalid Jamil expressed deep disappointment after the loss, emphasizing that hard work determines success in football and dismissing any notion of bad luck. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s overall team effort, noting that their counter-attacks were decisive. The match also witnessed tense moments, including a scuffle between players following a foul by Tapu Barman, resulting in yellow cards for Tapu and India’s Nikhil Poojary. Despite the heated exchanges, Jamil downplayed the incident, saying such physical and emotional moments are part of football. The result highlights Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness in South Asian football.

Pakistan began their tri-nation T20 series campaign with a solid win over Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. After losing the toss, Zimbabwe batted first and posted 147 runs for eight wickets, despite a strong start of 72 runs in eight overs. Ryan Bennett top-scored with 49 off 36 balls, while captain Sikandar Raza added 34. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Nawaz with two wickets, restricted Zimbabwe effectively. In reply, Pakistan faced early pressure at 54 for four but recovered through a 61-run fifth-wicket stand between Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. Fakhar scored 44 off 32 balls, while Usman remained unbeaten on 37. Mohammad Nawaz contributed a quick 21 off 12 balls to seal the victory with four balls to spare. The win gave Pakistan a strong start in the tri-series, boosting their confidence ahead of upcoming matches.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar has congratulated the Bangladesh national football team for their historic 1–0 victory over India in the third-round return leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers. In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, Parwar described the win as a proud moment for the nation, noting that it marked Bangladesh’s first victory over India in 22 years. He praised the players, coaching staff, and team management for their dedication and performance, emphasizing that the triumph demonstrated Bangladesh’s growing footballing strength and confidence. Parwar expressed hope that this success would inspire renewed enthusiasm in the country’s sports sector and encourage greater interest in football among the youth. He also extended prayers and best wishes for the team’s continued progress and future international achievements, urging them to maintain their winning momentum.

Bangladesh secured a historic 1-0 victory over India in football, marking their first win against the neighboring nation since 2003. The result sparked widespread celebration across the country. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman congratulated the national team through a Facebook post on Tuesday, praising their discipline, unity, and belief. He highlighted Morsalin’s early goal and the team’s relentless spirit as symbols of hope for the future of Bangladeshi sports. Rahman described the players as inspirations for the youth and ambassadors of the nation’s sporting culture. Expressing optimism, he said Bangladesh’s sports sector has a bright future where talent will flourish and the national flag will soar higher. His message resonated with fans who viewed the victory as a moment of national pride and resurgence in football.

Bangladesh secured a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over India in an Asian Cup qualifying match held at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Sheikh Md Morsalin scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute, assisted by Rakib Hossain. Although both Bangladesh and India were already eliminated from contention for the main round, the home side celebrated the win enthusiastically, with players including Rakib, Morsalin, Jamal, and Hamza joining in post-match celebrations. After five matches, Bangladesh accumulated five points, while India managed only two. In the same group, Singapore qualified for the Asian Cup main stage after defeating Hong Kong 2-1, taking their tally to eight points. Bangladesh will play their final qualifying match against Singapore on March 31 next year.

Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi praised Babar Azam as the 'backbone' of the national team after securing a series victory against Sri Lanka at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Afridi highlighted the team’s unity as the key to success and lauded Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for their leadership and consistent performances. He expressed satisfaction at Babar’s return to form with a century and commended Rizwan’s senior role. Afridi also appreciated Wasim Junior’s comeback performance after injury, emphasizing the bowlers’ ability to change the course of matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s batting coach Julian Wood acknowledged Pakistan’s superior performance and praised the Rawalpindi crowd’s support. He admitted Sri Lanka’s early batting collapse cost them the final ODI but stressed the importance of focusing on World Cup preparations and adapting strategies for the upcoming T20 tri-series.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s crucial Asian Cup qualifier against India, national football team captain Jamal Bhuyan shared a motivational post on Facebook. He posted a clip from the 2021 World Cup qualifier where Bangladesh lost 2–0 to India after holding them until the 79th minute. The video showed Jamal tackling Indian forward Brandon Fernandes, accompanied by the caption, “Fight for every inch on the field.” The post is seen as an attempt to inspire his teammates and fans before the high-stakes match. Bangladesh have not beaten India in 26 years but have lost only once in their last six encounters since Jamal’s debut. Fellow player Hamza Choudhury also expressed optimism on social media, saying the team is fully prepared and eager to give their best in the match.