FIFA has released the complete schedule, venues, and kick-off times for the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The announcement, made on Saturday night, confirms that the tournament will kick off on June 11 (1:00 AM Bangladesh Time) in Mexico City, with the final scheduled for July 19 (1:00 AM Bangladesh Time) in New York-New Jersey.

The opening match of the 48-team tournament will feature hosts Mexico against South Africa in Group ‘A’. The competition spans 16 venues across the three North American nations.

Fixtures for the Title Contenders

Five-time champions Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign on June 14 at 4:00 AM Bangladesh Time against Morocco in New York-New Jersey. Brazil’s subsequent group matches will be played in Philadelphia and Miami.

Meanwhile, current champions Argentina start their title defense on June 17 at 7:00 AM Bangladesh Time against Algeria in Kansas City. Argentina’s remaining two group matches are set for Dallas.

Knockout Stage and Final Venue

The Group Stage concludes on June 26, followed by the newly expanded Round of 32 commencing on June 28. The semifinals will be hosted in Dallas (July 14) and Atlanta (July 15). The showpiece final will be held at the New York-New Jersey venue on July 19.

Sohan, a six-year-old football prodigy from Panchani village in Matlab North of Chandpur, has been granted a scholarship at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), where he will receive advanced training. The young talent, widely known as the “Little Messi” on social media for his exceptional ball control, met the government’s Interim Adviser for Youth and Sports, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, in Dhaka on Tuesday (18 November).

During the meeting, Sohan shared his dream of becoming a professional footballer and discussed his future plans. Following the discussion, the Sports Adviser wrote on his official Facebook page that Sohan’s abilities and determination at such a young age were remarkable, confirming that arrangements for his BKSP scholarship had already been completed. Sohan was also presented with a football.

Earlier on 10 November, the Sports Adviser publicly announced the scholarship, sparking nationwide interest. Prior to that, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had taken responsibility for ensuring Sohan’s education and training environment after the child’s viral football videos drew widespread attention.

Sohan is now preparing for his move to BKSP, supported by his family, local administration, and political leaders.

Sohan’s father, Md. Sohel, said, “This opportunity at BKSP could transform my son’s future. We are grateful to everyone who stood by him.”

Mahmuda Kulsum Monir, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Matlab North, remarked, “Sohan is the pride of our region. His football skills at such a young age are truly extraordinary. The administration will continue supporting him.”

Lionel Messi has signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami, keeping him at the Major League Soccer (MLS) club until the end of the 2028 season. The 38-year-old Argentine star’s new deal could be his final professional contract, according to The Athletic.

The agreement was officially completed last Thursday, following weeks of negotiations between the two sides. The first public hint came on October 21, when Messi and co-owner David Beckham appeared together at the under-construction Miami Freedom Park Stadium for a promotional video shoot.

Club officials confirmed that final paperwork was sent to MLS authorities the night before the announcement. The deal ensures Messi’s presence in the league until just months before his 42nd birthday.

Since Messi’s arrival in 2023, Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled—from $585 million to over $1.2 billion, according to Forbes. His impact has transformed the club into a global brand, with ticket sales, sponsorships, and naming rights all soaring.

Sources suggest the new deal could also include a pathway for Messi to acquire a minor ownership stake in the club. Co-owner Jorge Mas described the extension as “the beginning of another great chapter,” adding that Messi’s influence extends far beyond the pitch.

As part of his long-term commitment to American football, Messi plans to launch the “Messi Cup”, a youth tournament set to be held this December at Chase Stadium. The event will feature under-16 teams from top clubs including Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, River Plate, and Newell’s Old Boys.

In a recent interview with NBC, Messi said he still hopes to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but is also preparing for a lasting role within MLS—similar to Beckham’s post-retirement involvement.

The video shoot announcing his new deal was attended by Beckham, Jorge and Jose Mas, and Messi’s family, symbolizing the deep partnership now uniting the Argentine icon and Inter Miami’s future.