Samsul Arefin Khan

Following a hectic 17-day schedule featuring 72 group-stage matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally entering its business end, as hosts Canada take on South Africa in the opening Round of 32 match at Los Angeles Stadium tonight. 

Having already secured their places in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup by winning their opening two Group I matches, tournament favourites France and dark horse Norway will face off in a highly anticipated clash in Boston tonight to determine the group champions.

Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa finds himself under mounting pressure once again.

Hosting a FIFA World Cup is a matter of immense pride for any nation. Countries spend billions of dollars on infrastructure development, building and renovating stadiums, and upgrading facilities to stage the greatest show on earth. In return, they receive significant economic benefits through the arrival of millions of football fans from around the world.

Traditionally, African nations have been among the most underrated sides in the FIFA World Cup. Although no African nation has ever won the tournament or reached the final in any of its previous 22 editions, their steady rise on the global football stage has gradually changed perceptions about their prospects in the sport’s biggest event.

Before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, one of the most anticipated storylines was the race to break Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record.

With Messi still leading the way, Argentina continue to believe that anything is possible.

On the night Argentina defeated France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, parts of Dhaka barely slept. Blue-and-white flags hung like tapestries from rooftops and balconies. Fireworks shattered the midnight, and dense crowds erupted in celebrations that perfectly mirrored the euphoric scenes at the Plaza de la Republica in Buenos Aires.

The Bangladesh midfielder spoke about his World Cup memories, tournament predictions, his journey with Bangladesh, and more.

What can be expected from the Nigar Sultana Joty-led side at this World Cup? Will it be another tournament of participation, or can they finally take a meaningful step forward?

Eight months after the last Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election, the country's cricket governing body is set to hold another board of directors' election today. Yet despite a change in administration, the overall picture appears largely unchanged, making this another largely predictable and excitement-free contest.

A consortium comprising BTV, T Sports and Star News is set to acquire the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials confirmed on Tuesday, ending fears of a potential blackout of the tournament in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s ability to consistently post big totals, chase 150-plus targets have long been far from convincing. Continuing the trend, they managed only 133 for five against Scotland and then fell eight runs short of 163-run chase.

Recently, the right-arm pacer spoke to The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan and revealed that she has a secret plan for the mega T20 event.

As Bangladesh head towards their seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter shared her plans, expectations, and thoughts on criticism with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan during an interview, the excerpts of which are as follows:

In an interview with The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan, she spoke about the team’s preparation, her personal transformation, and Bangladesh’s ambitions for the tournament.

Bangladeshi broadcasters T Sports and Star News, in a joint venture, and a Dubai-based company have emerged as potential buyers

The 31-year-old fast bowler's experience and quality remain indispensable to the Tigers.

Pacer Nahid Rana delivered a fiery spell in the final session of the opening Test to claim career-best figures and guide Bangladesh to a 104-run victory over Pakistan, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match series at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday.

4.5 overs, two maidens, 10 runs, and four wickets. This was the match-winning bowling spell produced by Nahid Rana after he was brought back into the attack for his second spell in the final session of the opening Test against Pakistan in Mirpur on Tuesday. The spell proved decisive as Bangladesh thrashed Pakistan by 104 runs to secure their first-ever Test victory over the neighbouring nation on home soil.