Spain and England both struggled in their final warm-up matches before the upcoming World Cup. In Barcelona, Spain were held to a goalless draw by Egypt despite dominating possession. The 2010 world champions failed to convert several chances, including efforts from Ferran Torres and Pedri. Egypt’s Omar Marmoush nearly scored in the first half, but his long-range shot hit the post. Even after Egypt went down to ten men in the 84th minute, Spain could not find a breakthrough, raising concerns about their form and ranking.

In London, England suffered a 1–0 defeat to Japan at Wembley Stadium. Missing injured striker Harry Kane, coach Thomas Tuchel deployed Phil Foden as a false nine, but the tactic failed to produce results. Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma scored the only goal in the 23rd minute after a defensive error by Cole Palmer. Despite multiple substitutions and late pressure, England could not equalize and faced boos from home fans. The result marked Japan’s first-ever win over England and England’s second loss in twelve matches under Tuchel.

The disappointing outcomes for both European teams have raised questions about their readiness for the World Cup.

Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal has strongly condemned anti-Muslim chants heard during the Spain-Egypt friendly match held at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium. The match ended in a goalless draw, but the incident in the stands drew widespread attention. Several Spanish supporters were heard chanting anti-Muslim slogans, prompting stadium authorities to issue a warning on the big screen during the first half. Despite the warning, similar chants continued in the second half.

Spain’s football authorities and national team coach Luis de la Fuente have both denounced the incident and expressed firm opposition to such behavior. Yamal, who is Muslim, responded on social media, calling the chants disrespectful and labeling the use of religion as a joke an act of ignorance and racism. He emphasized that football should be a game of enjoyment, not a platform for mocking anyone’s faith or identity.

Yamal concluded his message by thanking supporters and expressing hope to meet them again at the World Cup.

The lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been finalized, marking the first edition to feature 48 teams. Following the completion of playoff matches, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden, DR Congo, and Iraq secured the final six spots. Italy, a four-time champion, failed to qualify for the third consecutive tournament after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Iraq’s 2–1 victory over Bolivia earned them a World Cup berth after 40 years, while Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic, and DR Congo also celebrated returns after long absences. The expanded format will include 104 matches, with teams divided into 12 groups. Newcomers to the World Cup include Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao.

The 2026 edition is expected to be the largest in World Cup history, generating heightened anticipation among fans and players as football’s biggest event approaches.

Bangladesh Under-20 women’s football team suffered a surprising 3-2 defeat against Thailand in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup match held on April 1, 2026. Despite leading 2-0, the team coached by Peter Butler conceded three goals in the second half, including two from penalties, losing a match that seemed within their grasp.

Coach Peter Butler employed a high-line defensive strategy, which initially helped Bangladesh catch Thailand offside several times. Goalkeeper Mili made key interventions early in the game. Sagarika opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the 31st minute and doubled the lead in the 50th minute. However, defensive lapses allowed Thailand to mount a comeback, scoring twice from penalties in the 69th and 75th minutes and sealing victory with a third goal in the 79th minute.

Bangladesh’s late efforts to equalize were unsuccessful, leaving the team to reflect on missed defensive discipline and lost momentum in the second half.

Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in sports development. On March 30, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) and Beijing Sports University at an event held in Beijing. The agreement was signed by BKSP Director General Brigadier General Mohammad Saif Ullah and Beijing Sports University President Zhang Jiang.

According to officials, the memorandum is not merely ceremonial but aims to open a new chapter of collaboration between Bangladesh and China in the field of sports. It will create opportunities for modern athlete training, coach skill development, and exchange of expertise in sports science and research.

Experts believe that participation in international-level training and research will help young Bangladeshi athletes become more skilled, ultimately strengthening the country’s sports sector in the future.

Former Bangladesh national team opener Imrul Kayes has expressed strong frustration over the prolonged suspension of domestic cricket in the country. In a Facebook post on April 1, 2026, he voiced concern about the current state of cricket and urged authorities to take immediate and effective action to resume competitions.

Kayes stated that cricket administrators have become so preoccupied with power struggles that on-field cricket has come to a halt, severely affecting domestic players who depend on these leagues for their livelihood. He noted that many cricketers are struggling financially due to the league shutdown, yet there appears to be little concern or initiative from those responsible. He emphasized that focusing solely on the national team is not enough and that the overall cricket structure needs equal attention.

Concluding his message, Kayes appealed to all stakeholders to set aside personal conflicts and restore cricket activities promptly. He also called on the Sports Minister to ensure that cricket progresses free from political influence.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Sylhet on April 30 for the first time since assuming office, where he will inaugurate the nationwide 'Notun Kuri Sports' program from the Sylhet District Stadium. The announcement was made by State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque during his inspection of the stadium on April 1. The event will be launched simultaneously across all districts, featuring seven sporting events including football and cricket.

During his visit, the state minister expressed optimism about making sports compulsory from grade four in the next academic year and introducing government sports scholarships. He emphasized the goal of building a healthy, drug-free society through a sports-friendly environment. Aminul Haque also criticized the previous government for alleged corruption that left the Sylhet District Stadium in poor condition.

The minister added that the government has already brought national athletes under a salary structure and provided sports allowances and honor cards. The district commissioner said the prime minister’s full itinerary will be announced later.

Iraq has secured a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after a 40-year absence, defeating Bolivia 2–1 in the intercontinental playoff final. The victory completed the list of 48 participating teams. Despite missing direct qualification from the Asian region, Iraq fought strongly in the playoff to achieve their goal. Coach Graham Arnold had earlier highlighted the players’ strong desire to reach the World Cup.

In the decisive match, Iraq took the lead in the 18th minute through Ali Almahadhi, but Bolivia equalized in the 38th minute via Moises Paniagua. Aymen Hussein restored Iraq’s lead in the 53rd minute, securing the win. This marks Iraq’s second World Cup appearance, the first being in 1986. Coach Graham Arnold also achieved a rare feat by leading a second nation, after Australia, to World Cup qualification.

The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iraq, placed in Group I, will face France, Norway, and Senegal, starting their campaign against Norway on June 16 in Foxborough.

Bangladesh advanced to the final of the ongoing SAFF Under-20 Championship after defeating Nepal 1-0 in the first semifinal held on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives. The decisive goal came in the 11th minute when Manik scored with a header from a planned corner attack initiated by Murshed Ali. Despite creating several scoring chances, Bangladesh could not extend their lead, and one goal was disallowed for offside.

Bangladesh, the defending champions, had previously won the title in 2024 by beating Nepal 4-1 in the final. In this year’s tournament, they began with a 2-0 win over Pakistan and drew 1-1 with India, finishing as group runners-up before reaching the semifinals. The team’s performance has been further boosted by the inclusion of US-based brothers Declan and Ronan Sullivan, both making their debut for Bangladesh and impressing with their play.

Bangladesh will face either India or Bhutan in the final, scheduled for April 3 in Male.

Bangladesh and Nepal meet today in the first semifinal of the SAFF Under-20 Championship at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives. The match kicks off at 4:45 pm Bangladesh time. Bangladesh, the defending champions, are focused on defeating Nepal to secure a place in the final and retain their title.

Bangladesh won the tournament for the first time in 2024, defeating Nepal 4-1 in the final. This year, the two teams meet again, but in the semifinal stage. The team’s hopes are centered on US-based brothers Declan Sullivan and Ronan Sullivan, who are representing Bangladesh for the first time. Ronan has already scored twice in one match, while Declan, an 18-year-old defender, is expected to strengthen the defense after errors in the group stage against India.

Bangladesh reached the semifinal as group runners-up with four points, after beating Pakistan 2-0 and drawing 1-1 with India. The tournament final is scheduled for April 3.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Speaking to a Mexican television channel, Infantino dismissed speculation about moving Iran’s matches, stating that there is only one plan—Plan A—and that Iran will play. He emphasized that FIFA wants Iran to compete under the best possible conditions, representing both domestic and expatriate Iranians.

Infantino reiterated that FIFA cannot resolve political disputes but believes in football’s power to promote peace and unity among nations. He also noted that Iran earned its place in the tournament through sporting merit, while acknowledging the current political situation as “very complex.”

According to the schedule, Iran is set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle, with its base camp in Tucson, Arizona. However, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said the team will not travel to the United States due to security concerns, citing statements from Donald Trump. Iran is currently preparing in Turkey ahead of the tournament.

Bangladesh lost 1–0 to hosts Singapore in their final Asian Cup qualifying match, but head coach Javier Cabrera described the performance as the team’s best of the campaign. Speaking after the match, the Spanish coach said it was very difficult to accept the result, insisting that Bangladesh deserved at least a draw. Cabrera expressed pride in his players for their effort and dominance throughout the game.

Cabrera noted that Bangladesh’s overall performance in the qualifiers was not poor, emphasizing that the team had improved compared to previous outings. Finishing the qualifiers with five points, Bangladesh showed progress in their style and professionalism, according to the coach. He highlighted that the players now understand better how to control the game and that the team must remain positive.

Cabrera’s contract with the Bangladesh Football Federation is set to expire on April 30. He said he was uncertain about his future with the national team and would leave that decision to time.

Brazil secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Croatia in their final warm-up match before the World Cup, held at Camping World Stadium in Florida. Carlo Ancelotti’s team dominated possession and attacking play from the start, taking the lead in first-half stoppage time through Danilo Santos after a counterattack initiated by Vinícius Júnior. Croatia equalized in the 84th minute with a goal from Lovro Majer, but Brazil quickly regained control as substitute Igor Thiago converted a penalty. In the closing moments, Endrick set up Gabriel Martinelli to seal the win.

The result boosted confidence for the five-time world champions ahead of the upcoming tournament. Brazil will submit a preliminary 55-man squad to FIFA on May 11 and play a farewell match against Panama at the Maracanã on May 31 before departing for the United States. Their World Cup campaign is scheduled to begin on June 13 against Morocco.

Argentina delivered a commanding 5–0 victory over Zambia in their final World Cup preparation match held at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. The world champions dominated throughout, with goals from Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolás Otamendi, an own goal by Zambia’s Dominic Chanda, and a late strike from young Valentín Barco. Coach Lionel Scaloni made several lineup changes after expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s earlier performance against Mauritania. Messi played the full match, while goalkeeper Juan Musso replaced Emiliano Martínez late in the game.

Argentina controlled 76 percent of possession and registered nine shots, five of which were on target, while Zambia managed only three attempts with one on target. The match showcased Argentina’s attacking rhythm and defensive stability, providing a morale boost ahead of the World Cup.

With this emphatic home win, Argentina concluded their pre-tournament schedule on a confident note, reinforcing their readiness for the upcoming global competition.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General and Local Government and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club on March 31, 2026. His visit created a festive atmosphere at the historic club, attended by several cabinet members, sports officials, and former athletes. During the visit, Fakhrul expressed his desire to see the return of the intense football rivalry between Mohammedan and Abahani that once captivated fans across the country.

Fakhrul described Mohammedan as an integral part of Bangladesh’s sports history, recalling the club’s contributions to football, cricket, and hockey. He said sports have entered a new era in the country, highlighting the government’s recent initiative to introduce monthly allowances for athletes. Fakhrul thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for launching the program, saying it would inspire both current and future players.

Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque also emphasized the importance of supporting all major clubs, including Abahani, to strengthen Bangladesh’s overall sporting landscape.