Published: 08:59 AM, 01 June 2026
National booters leave for San Marino to play FIFA Friendly Match
Bangladesh and 211th-ranked San Marino will face each other in a FIFA International Friendly Match at the San Marino Stadium in Serravalle, San Marino on 5 June 2026. -BFF
Bangladesh National Football Team departed for Italy on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 681 on Sunday at 2:15 PM to participate in the upcoming FIFA International Friendly Match against San Marino.
Bangladesh and 211th-ranked San Marinowill face each other in a FIFA International Friendly Match at the San Marino Stadium in Serravalle, San Marino on 5 June 2026.
Earlier, the national team camp began on 25 May under head coach Thomas Dooley. The Bangladesh National Football Team is going to San Marino after playing a total of four sessions and one warm-up match. Head coach Thomas Dooley will have four more sessions to test his players there.
Thomas Dooley earlier named final 23-member squad for the FIFA international friendly against San Marino with experienced goalkeeper AnisurRahmanZico returned to the national squad after a 19-month absence. Zico last played for Bangladesh in an international friendly against Afghanistan in September 2024.
ArmanFaysalAkash and Sumon Reza have been dropped while defender Topu Barman, who missed the Singapore match due to suspension, has returned to the squad.
Forward RakibHossain was initially named in the squad but will miss the match to stay beside his pregnant wife while PWD Sporting Club forward MinhazulKarimShadhin earned his maiden call-up.
Expats players HamzaChoudhury, ShamitShome, and Zayyan Ahmed will join the squad directly in San Marino, while Fahamedul Islam has joined the camp, which began at the Kings Arena on Monday.
'Expectations are high because the squad is very good and very strong. And this is the first time we'll be going to Europe to play, so the feeling will be a bit different,' said Jamal to media before leaving.
'The weather and climate are different compared to Asia. Once we go there, we'll understand how we need to adapt. It's going to be a totally different kind of match from what we're used to, so it's exciting.'
The veteran, who spent most of the time on the bench during the tenure of ex-coach Javier Cabrera, remained hopeful for a new start with the new coach.
'I hope this is a new coach and a new start. Previously, the coach didn't really prefer me - everyone knew that. So, I hope with the new coach, it will be new energy, a new start, everything new. Here, I will give my best,' he added.
Bangladesh squad:
Goalkeepers: MitulMarma, Anisur RahmanZico, SujonHossain.
Defenders: Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, ShakilAhadTopu, BishwanathGhosh, SaadUddin, TajUddin, Zayan Ahmed, Rahmat Mia, Abdullah Omar.
ShakilHossain, Isa Faysal, SM MonjurulRahman.
Midfielders: Jamal Bhuyan, SohelRana (Bashundhara Kings), SohelRana (Abahani), MdRidoy, HamzaDewanChoudhury, SamitSom, ShekhMorsalin, Rafiqul Islam, Syed KazemKirmane Shah.
Forwards: Fahemedul Islam, ShahriarEmon, Faysal Ahmed Fahim, Mohammad Ibrahim, Merajul Islam, MinhajulKarimShadhin.
