The match kicks off at 3:00pm (Bangladesh time) at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.

Bangladesh national team head coach Javier Cabrera remains confident about preparing his side for the two upcoming FIFA friendlies against hosts Nepal on September 6 and 9, despite 10 Bashundhara Kings players expected to join the national camp only next month.

Bangladesh have won every edition except the U-17s, last held in 2023 in Dhaka, where invitees Russia edged them to the title.

Bangladesh have been drawn alongside hosts Vietnam, Yemen, and Singapore in next month's Asian Cup Qualifiers.

For those who experienced the golden era of Bangladeshi football in the 1980s and ’90s, names like Ganesh Thapa and Raju Sakya of Nepal, or Sri Lanka’s Pakeer Ali and Prem Lal, evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.

The Thakurgaon native, once active in various sports, entered football in 2017 and did not look back ever since, rising through the age groups to become a composed, versatile midfielder whose game sense belies her years.

If entertainment value and visibility are benchmarks for attracting sponsors and club interest, then our women footballers have already made a strong case.

Bangladesh made the biggest leap in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking following their historic qualification for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time ever.

Yesterday, many officials from PFL outfits gathered outside the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) headquarters. Some carried placards. Others brought children who should have been out on a field, not protesting on a pavement.

Bangladesh coach Peter Butler was looking to embrace the challenge of facing strong opponents after his side were drawn in a tough group, which included defending champions China, in their maiden Women's Asian Cup campaign.

The BFF had approached several top local coaches to take charge of the U-23 team, but all declined for various reasons.

Bangladesh have been placed in Group A of the SAFF U-17 Championship along with hosts Sri Lanka, who will stage the regional youth tournament in Colombo from September 15 to 20.

With less than a month remaining before the transfer window of the Bangladesh Premier League closes, footballers are struggling to secure suitable contracts for the upcoming 2025-26 season due to financial constraints faced by the participating clubs.

Morsalin, who left Bashundhara Kings in search of more game time, said the welcome made his move all the more special.

Meanwhile, reigning world champions Argentina have retained their top spot

Players have spoken publicly about the need for proper nutrition, functioning gyms, better training grounds, and a stable domestic league.

Tanned by summer heat, tuned by a season of relentless graft at Sheffield United, and tested by rollercoaster ride with Bangladesh, the 26-year-old returned to the club where his footballing identity was forged.

In Peter Butler’s system, the Bangladesh goalie is also the first attacker.

Having already secured their place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the very first time, Bangladesh women’s football team now has a chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as well.

The trial ended with two matches of one-hour duration each – one for the under-19 level and the other for the under-23 level -- as the game’s local governing body looks for talented Bangladeshi-origin footballers from across the world to strengthen its pipeline.