What should have been a showpiece final in Mymensingh turned into another sorry chapter in domestic football's decline.
Following Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury’s debut for Bangladesh against India last month, interest among expatriate footballers in representing the national team has seen a notable rise. Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome has already expressed his desire to play for Bangladesh.
According to the long-serving captain, the most notable transformation since Hamza’s arrival has been a dramatic rise in team confidence.
The 27-year-old, currently a regular for Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, was previously capped twice in friendlies for the Canada senior team in 2020.
A total of 245 matches have taken place globally since the December 2024 rankings, with teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America competing in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers.
Fresh off their hard-fought goalless draw against India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, Bangladesh’s national footballers took a break from the grind to spread festive cheer, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to fans worldwide.
Ridoy had the simplest of chances to put Bangladesh ahead against India in the 12th minute.
It wasn’t just his skills on the pitch that won hearts—it was his character.
Hamza Choudhury’s arrival sparked enthusiasm and interest in football in Bangladesh like never seen before.
Bangladesh centre-back Tapu Barman said his side would have to be wary about India’s set-piece prowess ahead of the much-anticipated Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture between the sides in Shillong on March 25.
According to Transfermarkt, the total market value of the Bangladesh squad stands at a staggering $8.62 million -- leaving India trailing with a valuation of $6.064 million.
To make the imported inspiration sustainable, we need to create an ecosystem for our players.
The team took off yesterday morning and, after a four-hour layover in Kolkata, landed in the hilly northeastern city in the afternoon.
Hamza Choudhury, the biggest name in Bangladesh football, spent a busy day in Dhaka on Wednesday
Bangladesh’s new “Hridoye Bangladesh” football jersey, designed by Tasmit Afiyat Arny, blends heritage with innovation. Featuring water lily motifs, river lines, and a bold typography design, it challenges traditional red-green norms while ensuring functionality, sustainability, and national pride.
Excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high in Snanghat village of Bahubal Upazila, Habiganj, as English footballer of Bangladeshi origin, Hamza Choudhury, prepares for a historic visit.
“BFF runs with financial help from FIFA. One of FIFA’s guidelines states that if a country’s professional league lasts for six months, the federation will receive USD 50,000. Instead of protecting the clubs, the BFF is chasing that allocation,” said Brothers Union manager Amer Khan.
National team forward Mohammad Ibrahim said all the players are eager for a place in the starting eleven, particularly because the opposition is India, as the men in red and green continue to ramp up preparations in training for their Asian Cup Qualifiers match on March 25 against their neighbours.
Bangladesh women footballers strike over coach's behavior, face public backlash.
