Published: 07:02 AM, 26 June 2026
Bangladesh's World Cup Passion: A Love Story With Football
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across the United States, Mexico and Canada, Bangladesh has once again been swept up in football fever. Although the country is not participating in the tournament, few nations embrace the World Cup with as much enthusiasm.
For a month, the world seems to move to the rhythm of football. National borders blur, rivalries intensify, and billions unite around a single spectacle.
From city streets and university campuses to village tea stalls, discussions revolve around football. Jerseys and flags of Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal fill the markets, while social media is flooded with debates, predictions and friendly rivalries.
The roots of Bangladesh's World Cup culture can be traced back to the first televised World Cup in 1982. Brazil's popularity grew through the influence of Pele, while Diego Maradona's unforgettable performances in the 1986 World Cup inspired generations of Bangladeshis to support Argentina. Over time, support for the two South American giants became a family tradition, creating one of the most unique football cultures in the world.
One of the most striking features of Bangladesh's World Cup culture is visible in the skyline.
As soon as the tournament begins, rooftops and streets become decorated with the flags of Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and England. To many Bangladeshis, this sight is perfectly normal. Yet to outsiders, it raises an obvious question: why does a country of nearly 170 million people celebrate foreign national teams with such intensity?
The answer lies in a football culture that has been nurtured over generations.
Brazil, Argentina and a Generational Love Affair
No two teams command more support in Bangladesh than Brazil and Argentina.
For decades, Brazil and Argentina have dominated football conversations in Bangladesh. Their rivalry extends beyond the pitch, shaping friendships, family discussions and workplace debates. Every World Cup transforms the country into a battleground of yellow-green and sky-blue-white flags.
The roots of this loyalty stretch back decades. Brazil's dazzling style of football during the era of Pelé captivated audiences worldwide, including in Bangladesh. Later, Diego Maradona's brilliance at the 1986 World Cup transformed Argentina into a national obsession for millions.
Subsequent generations inherited these loyalties. Brazilian legends such as Romário, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and Neymar continued to inspire fans, while Argentina's popularity was strengthened by stars such as Gabriel Batistuta, Claudio Caniggia, and, most importantly, Lionel Messi.
For many Bangladeshis, supporting a World Cup team is almost a family tradition. The team supported by the father often becomes the team supported by the son. As a result, football allegiance becomes part of family identity.
In Bangladesh, the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina extends far beyond football.
Family gatherings, office discussions, university campuses, tea stalls, and social media platforms become battlegrounds for football debates. Statistics are exchanged, memes are shared, and friendly arguments often continue long after matches have ended.
For many fans, these rivalries are among the most enjoyable aspects of the World Cup experience.
Veteran sports journalist Rafiqul Islam, who has followed the World Cup since 1986, remains a loyal supporter of Italy despite the team's absence from this year's tournament.
"Italy's style of football has always fascinated me," he says. "Although they play defensively, there is beauty and discipline in their game. I have supported them since 1986."
When Football Becomes a National Festival
Few sporting events transform Bangladeshi society like the World Cup.
Markets witness a surge in demand for jerseys and flags. Social media becomes dominated by football content. Restaurants, tea stalls, fish markets, and public spaces buzz with discussions about matches, tactics, and predictions.
The World Cup is no longer merely a sporting competition in Bangladesh. It has become a social festival.
Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the country's famous flag culture. Massive flags—sometimes stretching hundreds of feet—are raised in neighborhoods across the country. These displays have frequently attracted international media attention and become symbols of Bangladesh's extraordinary football passion.
Has the World Cup Fever Faded?
Despite the continuing excitement, many observers believe the visible intensity of World Cup celebrations has declined compared to previous tournaments.
According to Rafiqul Islam, the enthusiasm appears slightly lower than it was four years ago.
"The craze was very high until the last World Cup," he says. "This time, the flags of Brazil and Argentina are less visible. Regional tensions and global political uncertainties may have affected people's attention. However, I believe the excitement will grow as the tournament progresses."
Journalist and Brazil supporter Mohiuddin Tushar agrees that the nature of support has changed.
"People may not celebrate as loudly as before, but the World Cup atmosphere is still everywhere," he explains. "Tea stalls, markets, offices, and social media remain filled with football discussions."
The Messi Effect and Argentina's New Era
The last few years have been particularly rewarding for Argentina supporters.
After decades of disappointment, Argentina rebuilt itself under Lionel Messi's leadership. The team captured the Copa América in 2021, won the Finalissima in 2022, and finally lifted the FIFA World Cup later that year.
For millions of Bangladeshi Argentina supporters, Messi's triumph represented the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
Some observers believe Argentina's success has also softened the traditional rivalry with Brazil. After years of frustration, Argentine fans now celebrate from a position of satisfaction rather than desperation.
While Argentina fans celebrate recent glory, Brazil supporters continue their pursuit of history.
Brazil remains the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles. Yet the coveted sixth championship—the famous Hexa—has remained elusive for more than two decades.
Every World Cup revives hope among Brazilian supporters in Bangladesh. Despite recent disappointments, expectations remain as high as ever.
The expanded 48-team format has brought several debutants to the 2026 World Cup, adding fresh intrigue to the tournament.
Former Bangladesh national footballer Poniruzzaman believes this year's competition is unusually balanced.
"Many teams have talented young players," he says. "Japan looks strong. Morocco can surprise people again. No team can be underestimated."
Former national hockey captain Ariful Haque Prince also expects a highly competitive tournament.
"Spain looks particularly strong," he notes. "Brazil and Argentina will also go deep into the competition if they play to their potential."
For many Bangladeshi fans, the true World Cup begins with the knockout rounds.
The group stage generates excitement, but the tension rises dramatically once every match becomes a matter of survival. The Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final often produce the unforgettable moments that define each World Cup.
As the tournament progresses, many expect Bangladesh's football fever to intensify once again.
A Lesson for Bangladesh Football
As supporters debate whether Spain, France, England, Germany, Brazil or Argentina will lift the trophy, the tournament also raises a familiar question: why is Bangladesh, a nation of more than 170 million football-loving people, still absent from football's biggest stage?
The answer lies in challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited grassroots development and a lack of long-term planning. While passion for football remains abundant, transforming that passion into success on the international stage remains the country's greatest challenge.
For now, Bangladesh continues to celebrate the World Cup as one of its biggest sporting festivals. But beyond the flags, jerseys and rivalries, many supporters dream of a future when Bangladesh is not merely watching the World Cup—but playing in it.
The World Cup offers more than entertainment. It also presents an opportunity for reflection.
Bangladesh possesses one of the largest football-following populations in Asia. The passion is unquestionable. Millions devote their time, emotions, and resources to the sport every four years.
The challenge is transforming that passion into meaningful development.
If Bangladesh can channel its immense love for football into grassroots programs, improved infrastructure, youth development, and stronger domestic leagues, the country could gradually establish itself as a competitive force in Asian football.
Adnan Hadi is a senior journalist mainly
writing on archeological sites and sports. He
can be reached at: [email protected]
