The FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on January 14, 2026, as part of the official global trophy tour organized by Coca-Cola. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed the visit earlier, and Coca-Cola issued an official statement detailing the event. Football fans in Bangladesh will have the opportunity to view the iconic trophy up close and take photographs during its stay.

According to Coca-Cola Vice President Mikael Vinet, the tour aims to bring fans closer to the heart of the game and celebrate the passion and excitement that define football. The 150-day global tour will cover 30 FIFA member countries and showcase the trophy in 75 locations. FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai highlighted that this year’s tour marks the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which has visited 182 of FIFA’s 211 member nations since its inception.

In Bangladesh, Coca-Cola has also launched an interactive “Under the Cap” campaign, offering fans a chance to win tickets to see the trophy and take photos with it.

Bangladeshi shuttlers Al Amin Zumar–Moeazzem Hossain Ohidul and Masud Ahmed–Sadakat Robin advanced to the quarterfinals of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2025 after impressive performances in the pre-quarterfinals. Zumar and Ohidul defeated India’s Devart Mann and Saurav Nain 21–19, 17–21, 21–14, while Masud and Robin staged a comeback to beat Malaysia’s Liu Wen Ji and Jia Li Tan 14–21, 21–14, 21–17. The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium in Dhaka.

Other Bangladeshi pairs faced early exits. Mostafizur Rahman Lipton–Rafiul Raid lost to Vietnam’s Bui Dan–Nguyen Duc, and Rahatun Naim–Mizanur Rahman fell to India’s Swastik Matharasan–Gokul. In women’s doubles, Dalia–Mathina and Reshma–Brishti were eliminated by British and Indian pairs respectively. Mixed doubles duo Sifat Ullah–Brishti Khatun also lost to an Indian team. Despite these setbacks, the home side’s doubles success offered hope for Bangladesh’s badminton prospects.

The tournament continues with quarterfinal action tomorrow, as local fans anticipate further breakthroughs from the advancing Bangladeshi pairs.

Australia strengthened their hold on the Ashes series after dominating the second day of the third Test in Adelaide. The hosts posted a total of 371 runs, led by Alex Carey’s century and solid contributions from Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Starc. England’s reply faltered badly, reaching only 213 for eight at stumps, still trailing by 158 runs with just two wickets in hand.

England’s batting woes continued as early wickets fell cheaply, leaving them struggling at 59 for three before lunch. Only Ben Stokes and Harry Brook offered resistance, while captain Pat Cummins returned to form with three wickets for 54 runs. Mitchell Starc, who earlier scored a half-century, went wicketless but maintained pressure with the ball.

With Australia already leading the five-Test series 2–0, another victory in Adelaide would secure the Ashes. England’s hopes now rest on Stokes and Jofra Archer, who remain unbeaten, but the deficit and lack of batting depth make a comeback highly unlikely.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a standout performance in the ILT20, taking three wickets in a single over against MI Emirates just a day after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore in the IPL auction. His spell, highlighted by dismissals of Rashid Khan, Tom Banton, and Mohammad Ghazanfar in the 18th over, limited the opposition to 137 runs.

Despite his efforts, Dubai Capitals fell short by seven runs, bowled out for 130. Mustafizur’s final figures stood at 3 for 35, bringing his tournament tally to nine wickets in five matches and placing him third on the ILT20 wicket-takers list. Teammate Waqar Salamkheil leads with 12 wickets.

The left-arm seamer’s performance reinforced his rising value ahead of the IPL season, where expectations are high for him to replicate his UAE form. Analysts note that his control in the death overs remains a key asset for both franchise and national teams.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that pacer Mustafizur Rahman will not be allowed to play the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season despite being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore. Cricket Operations Chairman Nazmul Abedin Fahim announced that Mustafizur will have to return home to participate in Bangladesh’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand during the IPL schedule.

Fahim explained that the decision was made to ensure Bangladesh fields its strongest squad in the crucial series, which could influence World Cup qualification. He stated that while Mustafizur has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the IPL, it excludes the period overlapping with the New Zealand matches. Fahim emphasized that the board cannot risk losing points in the qualification race.

The BCB’s stance highlights the ongoing tension between national duties and lucrative franchise leagues. Mustafizur has yet to formally apply for his NOC, and his availability for the rest of the IPL will depend on scheduling and team requirements.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) captured their sixth title of 2025 after defeating Brazil’s Flamengo 2–1 in a tense penalty shootout during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. The match ended 1–1 in regulation, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia giving PSG the lead in the 38th minute and Jorginho equalizing from the penalty spot for Flamengo in the 62nd. Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov emerged as the hero, saving crucial penalties to secure victory for Luis Enrique’s side.

The French champions dominated possession with 60% control and maintained attacking pressure throughout the match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Safonov’s composure under pressure capped a remarkable year for PSG, who have already lifted the French Super Cup, Coupe de France, Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup.

This latest triumph underscores PSG’s growing global dominance under Enrique. With six major trophies in a single calendar year, the club has set a new benchmark in European football and strengthened its position ahead of the 2026 season.

Real Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 after a hard-fought 3–2 victory over third-division side Talavera, powered by a brace from Kylian Mbappé. Manager Xabi Alonso rotated his squad heavily, resting key players such as Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remained unavailable. Despite the changes, Real managed to edge past their spirited opponents.

Talavera fought back impressively after falling behind, leveling the score at 2–2 through goals from Nahuel Arroyo Majora and Gonzalo Di Renzo. However, Mbappé’s decisive second goal sealed the win for Los Blancos, with an own goal from Talavera contributing to Real’s tally. The match highlighted Real Madrid’s depth but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities against lower-tier opposition.

The result ensures Real Madrid’s progression in the domestic cup, while Alonso’s rotation strategy will be closely watched as the team balances multiple competitions. Mbappé’s form continues to be a key factor as Real targets silverware across all fronts this season.

FIFA has announced a record-breaking $50 million prize for the champion of the 2026 World Cup, nearly doubling the reward compared to previous tournaments. The decision, approved at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha, marks a significant increase from the $42 million awarded to the 2022 Qatar winner and $38 million in 2018 Russia.

The total prize pool for the 2026 tournament, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will reach $655 million—about 50% higher than in Qatar. The runner-up will receive $33 million, while the third and fourth-placed teams will earn $29 million and $27 million respectively. Each of the 48 participating nations will also receive $1.5 million for preparation expenses.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the expanded rewards as a financial milestone for global football, emphasizing that part of the revenue will be reinvested in football development worldwide. The move underscores FIFA’s effort to enhance competitiveness and financial sustainability across the sport.

Cricket fans are set for a busy viewing day on December 18, 2025, as multiple international tournaments air live across major sports networks. The highlight is the third Ashes Test between Australia and England, with the second day’s play starting at 5:30 a.m. on Star Sports. Simultaneously, New Zealand face West Indies in the second Test from 4:00 a.m. on Sony Sports. Later in the day, the Big Bash League features Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes, followed by ILT20 action between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Gulf Giants.

Football enthusiasts will also have late-night action as Napoli take on AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana, streamed via Bet365 and Fancode. The day’s lineup underscores the global reach of cricket and football, with broadcasters catering to diverse time zones and audiences. Sports analysts note that December’s packed calendar reflects the growing overlap of domestic and international leagues, offering fans continuous live coverage across continents.

French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the 2025 FIFA Best Men’s Player, capping a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain. Dembélé’s leadership in PSG’s attack guided the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League title, a domestic treble, and a FIFA Club World Cup final appearance. His consistent performances placed him ahead of finalists Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.

Accepting the award, the 28-year-old expressed gratitude to his teammates, family, and PSG staff, calling the honor a reward for collective hard work. Dembélé also thanked club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos, pledging to return to the FIFA stage next year. The recognition follows his earlier Ballon d’Or win, marking a double triumph in 2025.

In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí claimed her third consecutive FIFA Best Women’s Player award, while England coach Sarina Wiegman and PSG’s Luis Enrique were named the best women’s and men’s coaches respectively.

Newly appointed Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has unveiled a two-month action plan aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s sports infrastructure and inclusivity. Speaking at the National Sports Council, he announced his intention to launch a 16-team district-level Super League and directed the Bangladesh Football Federation to submit a proposal promptly.

Nazrul emphasized the need to eliminate elitism in sports management, noting that some federations have historically received disproportionate attention while others were neglected despite their popularity. He pledged to expand opportunities across all disciplines and to enhance the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) facilities to elite standards. Additionally, he highlighted plans to improve infrastructure for athletes from ethnic minority communities.

The adviser’s short-term roadmap signals a push toward decentralization and inclusivity in national sports policy. Stakeholders expect the proposed Super League to boost local engagement and talent development, potentially reshaping the country’s grassroots sports ecosystem.

Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team secured a 39-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final group-stage match of the 2025 U-19 Asia Cup, held at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. With this win, Bangladesh finished unbeaten in Group B, collecting six points from three matches and advancing to the semifinals as group champions. Sri Lanka also qualified for the semifinals despite the loss.

Batting first, Bangladesh posted 225 runs in 46.3 overs, with Jawad Abrar scoring 49 and Rifat Beg adding 36. Sri Lanka’s Kavija Gamage took four wickets. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 186 in 49.1 overs, as pacers Iqbal Hossain and Shahriar Ahmed each claimed three wickets. Iqbal was named Player of the Match for his performance.

Bangladesh will face Pakistan, the Group A runners-up, in the first semifinal on December 19, while India will meet Sri Lanka in the second semifinal. The results set the stage for two high-stakes encounters in Dubai.

FIFA has announced a major revision to its 2026 World Cup ticket pricing following widespread criticism from fans and national football associations. The governing body will now offer a limited number of tickets for each match, including the final, priced at $60 under a new 'Supporter Entry Tier' category. The decision comes after public outrage over previously announced prices that reached as high as $8,680 for the final.

According to the Associated Press, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the organization reversed their earlier stance amid mounting pressure. Participating nations will receive between 400 and 750 of these lower-priced tickets to distribute among their supporters. Earlier, ticket prices for group-stage matches ranged from $180 to $700, sparking global criticism over affordability.

The revised pricing aims to ease tensions with fans and improve accessibility ahead of the North American-hosted tournament. Analysts suggest the move could help restore FIFA’s public image and ensure greater stadium attendance when the World Cup kicks off in 2026.

FIFA has announced a new low-cost ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, following criticism over high ticket prices. The “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets, priced at $60, will be available for all 104 matches, including the final. These tickets are reserved for fans of qualified national teams who plan to follow their teams throughout the tournament, and will account for 10% of each federation’s ticket allocation.

The move comes after fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, condemned the steep pricing compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, noting that following a team from the group stage to the final could cost at least $6,900. FIFA said the new plan aims to ensure “loyal supporters” receive special consideration. Additionally, fans whose teams are eliminated early will have administrative fees waived during the refund process.

With over 20 million ticket requests already submitted, demand for the 2026 World Cup remains exceptionally high. The first ticket draw is scheduled for January 13, 2026, across host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi concluded his visit to India with a memorable appearance at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he was warmly received by thousands of fans. During the event, ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented Messi with a special invitation ticket to India’s opening match of the 2025 T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 7 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The upcoming tournament will follow a hybrid hosting model shared between India and Sri Lanka.

Messi also received an Indian cricket jersey and an autographed bat, while his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul were gifted numbered jerseys. The gesture symbolized a rare moment of camaraderie between football and cricket communities. Former Indian women’s goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan also presented personalized shirts to the trio.

Expressing gratitude, Messi said he was deeply touched by the affection shown by Indian fans and promised to return in the future. His visit is seen as a boost to India’s growing sports diplomacy and cross-sport cultural engagement.