United News of Bangladesh

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar has been released from the hospital five days after being admitted with a heart-related issue. His current club, São Paulo, said in a statement that the player was discharged on Sunday. The club added that extensive tests showed Oscar had experienced “an episode of vasovagal syncope,” a common cause of fainting triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rate. “Stable and clinically well throughout his hospital stay, the athlete will now follow a medical program of rest for the next few days,” the statement continued. Oscar was taken by ambulance to Einstein Hospital Israelita on Tuesday after collapsing during pre-season testing. He was reportedly unconscious for about two minutes and his club said at the time that he “presented a complication with cardiac changes.” The 34-year-old has a contract with Sao Paulo until 2027. He returned to his boyhood club on a free transfer last December after a long spell in China. Oscar won one Europa League title and two Premier League trophies with Chelsea, which he joined in 2012. He moved to Shanghai in the middle of Chelsea’s 2016-17 season for a transfer fee reported to be $73 million. He won three Super League titles in China and became a fan favorite in Asia. Oscar played for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup where he scored the only goal in its 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany, which went on to win the tournament.

A record 48 teams will take part in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. On Sunday, Portugal and Norway became the latest sides to secure their spots. Portugal, playing without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, thrashed Armenia 9-1 to keep the 39-year-old on course to feature in a sixth World Cup — an all-time record if he appears. Norway booked their ticket with a 4-1 win over four-time champion Italy. In total, 43 teams will qualify through their regional competitions, while two more will advance from a six-team intercontinental playoff scheduled for March in Mexico. The three host nations qualify automatically. Qualification breakdown Asia: 8 direct places, 1 intercontinental playoff slotAfrica: 9 direct berths, 1 playoff slotNorth/Central America & Caribbean: 3 direct spots, plus 3 automatic host places, and 2 playoff slots No Ronaldo, no problem: Portugal seal World Cup spot crushing Armenia 9–1South America: 6 direct spots, 1 playoff placeOceania: 1 guaranteed spot for the first time — already claimed by New Zealand — with New Caledonia headed to the playoffsEurope: 16 direct qualifiersTeams already qualified Hosts: United States, Mexico, Canada Africa:Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia Asia:Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan Europe:Croatia, England, France, Norway, Portugal Oceania:New Zealand South America:Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay

Cristiano Ronaldo may have been missing, but Portugal hardly felt his absence as Roberto Martínez’s men stormed into next year’s FIFA World Cup, annihilating Armenia 9–1 in their final qualifier at the Estadio do Dragão in Porto. On a night brimming with goals and confidence, experienced playmaker Bruno Fernandes and rising star João Neves each bagged hat-tricks. Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Ramos and Francisco Conceição added their names to the scoresheet to complete the nine-goal rout. Ronaldo was serving a suspension after receiving a red card in Thursday’s shock 2–0 loss to Ireland, a defeat that briefly rattled the Portuguese camp. But on Sunday, Fernandes and company flipped the script from the opening whistle. Portugal needed only seven minutes to break the deadlock. Fernandes’ wicked free-kick was pushed onto the post by the Armenian goalkeeper, but the rebound looped perfectly for Veiga, who nodded home into the bottom-right corner. Armenia, however, responded brightly. Eduard Spertsyan levelled in the 18th minute after Grant-Leon Ranos powered down the flank, outmuscling João Cancelo before cutting the ball back for his teammate to sweep into the net. Three minutes later, Ramos had a golden chance to restore the lead but fired straight at the goalkeeper. Portugal kept pressing, and in the 30th minute their patience paid off. A move sparked by Nélson Semedo flowed through Fernandes before Neves drilled a low strike past the keeper. Portugal nearly added another in the 40th minute when a clever Fernandes ball found Bernardo Silva, only for the Armenian goalkeeper to deny him with the faintest of touches. The hosts didn’t have to wait long, though. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Rúben Dias was dragged down in the box, winning a penalty. Fernandes stepped up and coolly slotted down the middle, sending Portugal into the break with a commanding 5–1 lead. Fernandes went on to grab a hat-trick with goals in the 52nd and 72nd minutes. Neves later joined him, sealing his own treble in the 81st minute with a brilliant nutmeg finish inside the box. Substitute João Félix missed a golden opportunity in the 89th minute, but in stoppage time Francisco Conceição ensured Portugal ended with a flourish, striking in the 92nd minute to wrap up a dominant victory—one that sends Portugal confidently toward football’s biggest stage next June. In the other fixture of the group, a spirited Ireland side overcame Hungary 3–2 despite falling behind twice. The Irish found their second equalizer ten minutes before the final whistle, and then stunned Hungary with a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to book their place in the play-offs. Hungary, despite being favourites for most of the group stage, ultimately finished the qualifying round in tears.

A team of Palestinian footballers played a friendly match on Saturday against a selection of Basque players in Bilbao, drawing a crowd of around 50,000 amid strong political symbolism linked to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. San Mames Stadium — home to Athletic Bilbao — was nearly full, with organizers confirming tens of thousands of ticketed spectators. Supporters filled the stands waving Palestinian flags as well as flags representing Spain’s northern Basque Country. Thousands also marched with flags in the streets ahead of kickoff. Spain has witnessed sustained demonstrations against Israel's military actions following the October 2023 Hamas attack. Bilbao previously hosted one of the earliest major protests in September, when activists targeted an Israeli-owned cycling team during the Spanish Vuelta. MLS fans get full access on Apple TV without extra fees next season Saturday’s Basque lineup featured players from Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and other professional clubs. Members of Spain’s national team were not available due to a World Cup qualifying fixture. The Palestinian squad is scheduled to play another friendly on Tuesday in Barcelona against a team representing Catalonia, Spain’s northeastern region. Source: AP 

Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was abruptly targeted by his uncle, who threw eggs at him during a presentation for his new memoir on Thursday. Rubiales, seated on a small stage, dodged at least two eggs as one smashed against a screen behind him. He rushed toward the audience before security intervened. “A man came in — later I realized it was my uncle — someone who has always had problems,” Rubiales told reporters. “He threw eggs at me. When I first saw him, I didn’t know what he was holding and feared it might be a weapon.” Rubiales was promoting his book “Matar a Rubiales” (“Killing Rubiales”), a 500-page account of his fall from power after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. According to the publisher, Rubiales claims he was the target of a coordinated campaign involving government officials and “the lucrative world of feminism.” Rubiales has repeatedly insisted the kiss was consensual. He initially refused to resign despite widespread condemnation from government leaders, football authorities, players, and fans, but eventually stepped aside under mounting pressure. Earlier this year, a Spanish court found him guilty of sexual assault for the nonconsensual kiss.

Richonell Margaret scored twice in two-minute span in the second half on Thursday as Suriname defeated El Salvador 4-0 in CONCACAF qualifying to move closer to securing a spot in the World Cup for the first time. Tjaronn Cherry opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 44th minute and Richonell Margaret scored in the 74th and 76th minutes while Dhoraso Moreo Klass added a goal in the 83rd. With the win, Suriname remains undefeated and reached nine points in Group A, the same as Panama which defeated Guatemala 3-2. Suriname, that has a better goal difference over the Panamanians, will visit Guatemala next Tuesday, while Panama hosts El Salvador. Twelve teams, divided into three groups, are vying for three direct spots from regional qualifying for next year’s World Cup. The United States, Canada and Mexico have qualified automatically as World Cup co-hosts. Suriname, one of CONCACAF’s founding nations in 1961, is playing in the final round of qualifying for the first time since 1978. El Salvador suffered its fourth straight loss and with three points is eliminated. Curacao controls destiny Also on Thursday, Jordi Paulina scored twice and Curacao beat Bermuda 7-0 and will play against Jamaica for a spot in the World Cup. Paulina scored in the 48th and 63rd minutes, while Leandro Vacuna (7), Juninho Vacuna (32), Sontje Hansen (59), Ar' Jany Martha (82), and Roshon van Eijma (90) added goals for Curacao, which is coached by Dick Advocaat. Advocaat was at the helm of the Netherlands national team for three stints and managed South Korea, Belgium and Russia before taking the job with Curacao, which has never qualified for a World Cup. With the convincing win, Curacao has 11 points and leads Group B over Jamaica, which had a 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica, which has only ever qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France, is coached by former England’s national team mentor Steve McLaren. The Reggae Boys will host Curacao in Kingston’s National Stadium next Tuesday. Curacao needs a win or a draw to qualify while Jamaica requires a win. Group C is up for grabs Bancy Hernandez and Jaime Moreno scored goals and Nicaragua upset Honduras 2-0 to leave the group undecided going into the last round next Tuesday. Hernandez opened the scoring in the 12th minute and Moreno secure the win at the 82nd minute for the Nicaraguans. Also on Thursday, Frantzdy Pierrot scored a goal in the first half and Haiti downed Costa Rica 1-0. Pierrot scored in the 44th minute to secure the win for the Haitians, whose only appearance in a World Cup was in 1974. With one round left to play, Honduras leads the group with eight points, the same as Haiti, but with a better goal difference. Costa Rica remains in contention with six, while Nicaragua is eliminated with four points.

Apple TV subscribers will be able to watch all Major League Soccer matches without an additional subscription beginning next year. During the first three years of MLS' 10-year, $2.5 billion agreement with Apple, a standalone Season Pass subscription was needed to access all matches. During this season, over 200 matches were simulcast on both MLS Season Pass and Apple TV, including the league's “Sunday Night Soccer” package. Dropping the separate subscription was announced Thursday at an owners' meeting. Apple has made its Friday night Major League Baseball doubleheaders available to all subscribers since its start in 2022. It recently secured U.S. rights to Formula 1 for five years which will also be available beginning next season. Making the MLS games more accessible also comes as the United States hosts the World Cup next year and the league switches to a late summer to spring calendar matching the European model in 2027. The current season runs from late February to early December, MLS deputy commissioner Gary Stevenson said Apple approached MLS early this year about the possibility of moving all of its matches to Apple TV. “We had been testing ‘Sunday Night Soccer’ on Apple TV and we got a really good reception to it. Then we talked to them about the potential schedule change and they thought that made sense. So it all kind of seemed like the perfect evolution to what we started and we think that the fans are going to find the experience and the value to be significantly better,” Stevenson said. MLS season-ticket holders will receive Apple TV subscriptions after previously receiving MLS Season Pass. MLS said it averaged 3.7 million gross live match viewers per week across streaming and linear platforms for its 15 weekly matches, a 29% increase over 2024. Apple has worldwide rights to MLS, which have benefitted them in South America after Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. The league has also seen an influx of Asian viewers after Son Heung-Min began playing for LAFC in August. Messi and Son had the top two jersey sales in the league this season. Messi and Son's clubs have both advanced to the league quarterfinals. LAFC is at Vancouver on Nov. 22 while Inter Miami travels to Cincinnati on Nov. 23.      

Despite coming from behind and scoring twice in the second half, Bangladesh were left frustrated as Nepal netted a late equaliser in stoppage time to secure a 2–2 draw in Dhaka. Rohit Chand gave Nepal the lead before the half-hour mark with a low shot from the edge of the box. In the 46th minute, Hamza brought Bangladesh level with a stunning bicycle kick. Just four minutes later, he calmly converted a penalty after Rakib was fouled inside the box, putting Bangladesh 2–1 ahead. But in the third minute of added time, Ananta Tamang equalised with a neat finish from a corner to bring Nepal level. The match, held on Thursday at the National Stadium, saw both teams struggle for rhythm early on. Bangladesh earned their first corner in the 4th minute, but captain Jamal Bhuiyan’s delivery created no real danger. Nepal, on the other hand, managed a few attacking moves but failed to break through Bangladesh’s defence. In the 20th minute, Bangladesh came close again when Nepal’s goalkeeper fumbled Jamal’s corner, but the hosts could not take advantage. In the 29th minute, Rohit Chand capitalised on a defensive lapse, receiving a cutback and slotting home with a low shot. Bangladesh nearly equalised before halftime when Fahim’s header went straight into the goalkeeper’s gloves, leaving the hosts trailing 1–0 at the break. Cabrera brought on Shammit Som at the start of the second half, and within a minute, Hamza produced a spectacular bicycle kick to restore parity. Minutes later, his successful penalty gave Bangladesh the lead and lifted the home crowd’s spirits. In the 70th minute, Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera made a triple substitution, bringing on Shakil Ahsan Topu, Shahriar Emon, and Mohammad Hridoy. Ten minutes later, an injured Hamza was forced off after receiving brief medical attention. Nineteen-year-old Cuba Mitchel came on as Hamza’s replacement to make his international debut. Cabrera had initially planned to substitute captain Jamal Bhuiyan, who had already removed his armband, but Hamza’s injury forced a change in plan. Bangladesh appeared set for victory as the match entered stoppage time, the Red and Green leading 2–1, but Ananta Tamang’s 93rd-minute strike from a corner stunned the home crowd and denied the hosts the chance to celebrate a win. With the result, Bangladesh had to leave the field frustrated, while Nepal celebrated a hard-fought draw after being on the verge of defeat.

Victor Osimhen faces the possibility of being one of the finest players of his generation never to appear at a World Cup if Nigeria fails to advance in the African qualifying playoffs for the 2026 tournament, which begin Thursday. Injuries kept Osimhen out for much of Nigeria’s 10-game qualifying group over the past two years, contributing to the Super Eagles landing in a four-team playoff bracket in Morocco, where they first face Gabon. The winner will still need to compete in the six-team intercontinental playoffs in March, likely in Mexico. At 26, Osimhen, top scorer in this season’s Champions League with Galatasaray, is near his peak, combining speed, skill, and power reminiscent of his idol Didier Drogba, all while wearing a protective mask for facial plates inserted after a serious injury four years ago. Osimhen, who once paused soccer to work at a church before breaking out at the Under-17 World Cup, carries Nigeria’s hopes after the country missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The path to the playoffs has been bumpy. In Rabat, players protested unpaid bonuses and initially refused to train. Nigeria, top-seeded in a six-team qualifying group, struggled without Osimhen in November 2023 and June 2024, failing to win its first four games. His six goals in five unbeaten matches last month helped Nigeria finish second behind group winner South Africa. Nigeria enters the playoff semifinal as favorites against Gabon, led by 36-year-old striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Captain William Troost-Ekong reassured fans that the financial dispute was resolved Wednesday. Harry Kane emerges as Barcelona’s ‘top transfer target’ Osimhen first rose to prominence at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup in Chile, scoring in all seven games and netting the opener in Nigeria’s 2-0 final win over Mali. He debuted for the senior team at 18 but missed the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a goalless season at Wolfsburg. He also saw Nigeria eliminated by Ghana in the Qatar qualifiers. Coming from a challenging background as the youngest of seven and losing both parents, Osimhen worked to support his family, even taking a nearly two-year break from football to help at Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s church. He was later nurtured by Nigeria Under-17 coach Emmanuel Amunike. A Serie A winner with Napoli and African Player of the Year in 2023, Osimhen now has the chance to shine on the global stage at the 2026 World Cup. Source: AP 

Barcelona have reportedly identified England captain Harry Kane as their top target to succeed Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 position next season. According to a report by Will Unwin of The Guardian, the Spanish champions view the 32-year-old Bayern Munich striker as the ideal long-term replacement for Lewandowski, whose contract expires in June 2025. When he moved to Bayern in the summer of 2023, Kane negotiated a series of release clauses in his contract, including one that would allow him to leave for €65 million (£57.1 million or $75.1 million) in the summer of 2026 if he chooses to do so. German outlet BILD reports that Kane must announce his decision to leave during the winter in order to activate the clause for the following summer. Should he make that choice in the coming months, he would be available in the 2026 summer transfer window for a fee of €65 million. Since joining Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million in August 2023, Kane has been phenomenal for the Bavarian side—scoring 108 goals in 113 appearances. In September, he became the fastest player this century to reach 100 goals for a club in Europe’s top five leagues. He also ended his long trophy drought in May after playing a key role in Bayern reclaiming the Bundesliga title. Although Kane said last month he was open to staying at Bayern beyond his current deal, which runs until June 2027, the opportunity to join another global powerhouse and compete for further major honours could tempt him to Barcelona. Furthermore, the possible departure of Barcelona’s Polish star Lewandowski at the end of the season could open the door for the English striker to become his successor. However, whether Kane would accept such a proposal remains uncertain. Spanish media suggest that Kane is “considering” a move to Catalonia, but the England captain has publicly dismissed speculation. “I’m very happy here in Munich,” the 32-year-old said last month. “[Leaving] is not something I’m thinking about.” The Catalan club already have another England international, Marcus Rashford, in their squad. Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, has been impressive this season with six goals and seven assists. Barcelona also have an option to make his move permanent for £30 million.