World champions Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over Mauritania in a friendly match held at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. The hosts took a two-goal lead in the first half through Enzo Fernández and 21-year-old midfielder Nico Paz. Mauritania pulled one back in stoppage time when defender Jordan Lefort scored from close range after Argentina failed to clear a free-kick.

Captain Lionel Messi entered the field at the start of the second half but did not score, despite several promising moments. Argentina dominated possession with 64 percent and had seven shots, four on target, while Mauritania managed eleven shots, also with four on target, showing competitive balance in the match.

The result provided both encouragement and caution for coach Lionel Scaloni’s side as they prepare for their final home warm-up match against Zambia before the upcoming World Cup.

Bangladesh has returned to success in international kabaddi after years without medals. The men’s team had not won since 2006 and the women’s team since 2014, but both achieved notable results in 2025. Under the current federation committee, Bangladesh participated in six international tournaments that year and succeeded in five of them, marking a strong comeback on the global stage.

The 2025 achievements include a 4–1 test series victory over Nepal, bronze medals in the Women’s Asian Kabaddi Championship, the boys’ and girls’ divisions of the Youth Asian Games, and the Women’s World Cup. Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation General Secretary S M Nawaz Sohag described these results as the beginning of a revival and announced plans to build a Kabaddi Institute at the Gopalganj Women’s Sports Complex. He emphasized the need for both government and private support to sustain progress.

Officials believe that with proper planning and assistance, Bangladesh can reestablish itself as a major force in world kabaddi, signaling a new era for the sport in the country.

Iran’s Ministry of Sports has announced that no national or club teams will be sent to countries it considers hostile. The decision, reported by Iranian state television on March 27, 2026, comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The ministry stated that the restriction applies to all sports teams and will remain in effect until further notice. It cited concerns over the safety of Iranian athletes and teams in those countries.

Although the announcement did not specifically mention the World Cup, the move has raised uncertainty about Iran’s participation in upcoming international competitions. The ban could also affect club football, including Tractor Sazi FC’s scheduled Asian Champions League Elite match in Dubai, Saudi Arabia. Relevant federations and clubs have been instructed to contact the Asian Football Confederation to discuss possible rescheduling.

The decision underscores how regional political tensions are beginning to influence sports engagements and may complicate Iran’s international sporting commitments if the restrictions persist.

Italy kept their World Cup dream alive by defeating Northern Ireland 2–0 in the European playoff semifinal at Stadio di Bergamo. Goals from Sandro Tonali in the 56th minute and Moise Kean in the 74th minute secured the win for the four-time world champions. With this result, Italy advanced to the playoff final, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Wales 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.

In another crucial playoff match, Sweden overcame Ukraine 3–1 thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. The striker scored in the 6th, 51st, and 73rd minutes, including a penalty, while Ukraine’s Matvii Pomarnyko netted a late consolation goal. Sweden will now face Poland, who defeated Albania 2–1, in the playoff final on April 1 in Stockholm.

Elsewhere, Kosovo edged Slovakia 4–3 to reach the final against Turkey, while Denmark crushed North Macedonia 4–0 to set up a final clash with either the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland.

Bangladesh claimed the gold medal in the compound men's team event at the Asian Archery Tournament held in Bangkok, Thailand. The team, consisting of archers Himu Bachar, Rakib Newaz, and Aishwarya, defeated Vietnam in the final match. Bangladesh scored 231 points, while Vietnam managed 225, securing victory by a six-point margin.

Although Bangladesh had high expectations in this tournament, the team failed to reach the semifinals in individual and mixed events. The compound men's team event ultimately brought success for the country. In the previous edition, archer Abdur Rahman Alif had won gold in the recurve men's individual category.

The Bangladesh Archery Federation and Asian Archery Federation President Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol announced financial rewards for the medal-winning team following their victory.

Bangladesh’s national football team lost 3-0 to higher-ranked Vietnam in an away match, but head coach Javier Cabrera expressed optimism about his team’s performance. Speaking at the post-match press conference on March 27, 2026, Cabrera said Bangladesh were close to their opponents in overall play, identifying finishing as the main difference. He noted that Bangladesh created scoring chances but failed to convert them, while Vietnam capitalized on their opportunities.

Cabrera highlighted that the team followed its tactical plan, including high pressing, defensive blocks, and build-up play. Despite conceding three goals in the first half, he praised the second-half performance as positive. The coach emphasized that mistakes against teams of Vietnam’s caliber are costly, pointing out that two goals came from set pieces and the third could have been avoided.

Looking ahead, Cabrera described the match as a valuable test before Bangladesh’s upcoming Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on March 31. He said the team would focus on using the positive aspects from this match to prepare for that crucial fixture.

France defeated Brazil 2-1 in an international football match held in Foxborough, Boston, on March 27, 2026. Despite being reduced to ten men after Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 55th minute following a VAR review, Didier Deschamps’ team held on for victory. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after a precise pass from Ousmane Dembélé, while Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead in the 65th minute from a Michael Olise through pass. Brazil’s Bremer pulled one back in the 78th minute from a Casemiro setup but could not find an equalizer.

Brazil started the match strongly and enjoyed crowd support in Boston but failed to capitalize on early chances, including one from Raphinha. France gradually took control of the game before halftime and maintained composure even after going a man down. The win brought Mbappé’s international goal tally to 56, placing him close to the top of France’s all-time scorers list.

The result highlighted France’s resilience and Brazil’s missed opportunities as both teams continue preparations for upcoming international fixtures.

Argentina will play a friendly match against Mauritania as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 5:15 a.m. Bangladesh time. Under coach Lionel Scaloni, the defending champions are focusing on fine-tuning their squad before the main tournament. Despite the friendly nature of the game, Argentina aims to demonstrate their dominance on the field.

According to the FIFA rankings, Argentina holds the second position, while Mauritania stands at 115th, highlighting a significant gap in strength. Scaloni’s team has shown remarkable consistency, winning 24 of their 30 matches since he took charge in 2018. Argentina last lost a friendly in March 2019 against Venezuela and has since remained unbeaten in 23 consecutive friendlies, including 15 straight wins. Their most recent victory came against Angola on November 14, 2025.

For this match, Scaloni will be without two injured players. Nahuel Molina replaces Gonzalo Montiel, and Lucas Martínez Quarta returns to the squad in place of Leonardo Balerdi. Despite these changes, Argentina is expected to field a balanced lineup.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a plan to launch 'Notun Kuri Sports' to develop new athletes across Bangladesh. Speaking after a friendly football match at the National Stadium on Thursday, he said the initiative aims to organize sports competitions among schools and various classes at district, upazila, and union levels.

Rahman explained that the program aligns with his party’s election manifesto, which emphasized professionalizing sports and creating opportunities for young players. He said the government intends to revive the spirit of the earlier 'Notun Kuri' program by introducing this new sports platform. The prime minister added that the goal is to enhance Bangladesh’s performance in international sporting events and bring greater recognition to the country.

He called on all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to work together to build a vibrant sports culture that fosters friendship and national pride. The event was attended by his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and several ministers and officials.

The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed a five-member investigation committee to look into alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, instructing it to submit a report within 15 working days. The BCB issued a statement warning that any decision based on the committee’s report might not be well received by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, BCB directors claimed that the statement was made unilaterally by BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul without prior discussion.

Speaking to reporters after a friendly match at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Independence Day, BCB Vice President Faruk Ahmed said the letter sent to the ICC was within the president’s authority but was not discussed internally. He expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the investigation report and suggested that the matter should be referred to the election commission officials responsible for overseeing the election process.

Faruk added that clarity could come from discussions with the election commissioner, as differing opinions exist between those involved in the election and those who were not.

French football star Kylian Mbappé has expressed disappointment over Neymar Jr.’s exclusion from Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to Brazil’s Globo media, Mbappé said he could not imagine a World Cup without Neymar, describing the Brazilian forward as one of the biggest stars in the sport. Neymar was left out of the national team after coach Carlo Ancelotti decided not to compromise on fitness standards, making his participation in the upcoming tournament uncertain.

Mbappé and Neymar played together at Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 to 2023, a period marked by both collaboration and reported tensions. Despite past differences, Mbappé praised Neymar’s talent and influence, calling him a player capable of making a major difference on the field. Neymar has been struggling with injuries and was not included in Brazil’s recent international friendlies, further fueling doubts about his readiness for the World Cup, which begins on June 11.

The final two friendly matches before the tournament are seen as Brazil’s last opportunity to finalize their squad, and Neymar’s absence from these games suggests his World Cup participation remains in serious doubt.

Bangladesh lost 3-0 to Vietnam in a FIFA international friendly match held on March 26, 2026. Vietnam dominated the first half, scoring all three goals before the break. Tuan Hai opened the scoring in the eighth minute, followed by Do Duy Manh in the 18th minute, and Nguyen Hai Long added the third in the 38th minute. Despite Bangladesh’s improved performance in the second half, they failed to reduce the deficit.

Bangladesh coach Cabrera made tactical adjustments after halftime, switching to a 5-3-2 formation that helped contain Vietnam’s attacks. Goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon made several key saves, while substitute Shahriar Emon’s attempt was blocked by the hosts. Vietnam’s Khueat Phon Khang and Rafael both came close to adding more goals but were denied by Bangladesh’s defense.

Following this defeat, Bangladesh will face Singapore in their next match in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, aiming to recover from the setback and strengthen their campaign.

The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed an investigation committee to probe alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election. The committee has summoned BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul for an interview, though the exact date of his appearance has not been confirmed. Committee sources confirmed the summons but declined to specify when it was issued.

According to another source, Bulbul, who is currently abroad, intends to appear before the committee after April 4. He was expected to return to Bangladesh on March 26 but is reportedly attending an Asian Cricket Council meeting before returning. His exact return date remains uncertain, and he plans to meet the committee upon his return.

Earlier, five BCB directors and several participants from the most recent BCB election have already been interviewed by the investigation committee as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Bangladesh confirmed that England-based footballer Hamza Chowdhury will start in the match against Vietnam, ending earlier uncertainty about his inclusion. The team’s starting lineup also features goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Shrabon, who has not been a regular for Bashundhara Kings but was chosen by the coach for this match. Defenders include Shakil Ahad Topu, Tariq Kazi, and Sad Uddin.

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan has been left out of the starting eleven, with Sohel Rana taking over the captain’s armband. Fahmidul Islam returns to the lineup after missing the previous match due to card suspension. The attacking line includes Samit Som and Zayan Ahmed, alongside other regulars.

The match marks a notable change in Bangladesh’s formation and leadership, with new inclusions and tactical adjustments aimed at strengthening the team’s performance against Vietnam.

FIFA has announced the schedule for the final phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, set to begin on April 1 and continue until the end of the tournament. According to FIFA, over one million tickets were sold in earlier phases between December and February. Additional tickets will be released gradually, meaning seat availability will vary over time. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, featuring 104 matches in total.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously said ticket demand is unprecedented, with expectations that all matches will be sold out. However, criticism over ticket prices continues. The supporters’ group Football Supporters Europe has filed a complaint with the European Commission, alleging that FIFA’s dynamic pricing model has unfairly inflated prices. Earlier, group-stage tickets started at $140, while final match tickets reached up to $8,680, and semifinal tickets ranged from $920 to $1,125.

In this final phase, tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and fans can choose their preferred seats. Those who already purchased tickets can view their seat allocations from April 1.