From chassis to canopy, the makeover embodies the fascinating fervour that sweeps Bangladesh every four years.

I had to pause for a moment and take the phone out of my pocket. Right beside me were Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. On the other side stood legends Pelé and Diego Maradona. Hamza Choudhury of Bangladesh, with his distinctive curly hair, was there too.

The moment a FIFA World Cup approaches, something changes in Bangladesh.

Excitement surrounding the World Cup has taken a backseat, giving way to concerns about other aspects of the coveted event.

Research from UKG estimates that the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, could cost global employers some $17 billion in lost productivity, with 37% of workers planning to adjust their schedule because of the tournament.

Full list of players called up for the June 11-July 19 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

As previously confirmed, Argentina will fine-tune their preparations with two friendly matches before beginning their World Cup campaign.

While Vinicius Jr starred with a goal and an assist, Ancelotti focused on the impact of the players who came off the bench, saying their second-half display created new competition for places in the starting lineup.

The flight carried the number 1978 -- a tribute to Argentina's first World Cup triumph.

The Inter Miami forward, Uruguay's all-time leading scorer, retired from international football in September 2024, but recently indicated he would be willing to return if selected.

Just as Diego Maradona would single-handedly win the World Cup for Argentina in 1986, Garrincha had achieved that very feat for Brazil 24 years earlier.

The agreement comes just 10 days before the tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Now at Manchester City, Semenyo is expected to play a key role for a Ghana side led by new coach Carlos Queiroz, after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.

Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal at 18 in August of 2003, is comfortably the country's leader in all-time appearances (226, 80 more than Joao Moutinho) and goals (143, 96 more than Pauleta).

The squad lineup featured few surprises, except for the inclusion of rising striker Hamza Abdel Karim. The 18-year-old is on loan from Egyptian giants Al Ahly to Barcelona Atletic, the reserve side of the La Liga champions.

Coach Lionel Scaloni retained the core of the side that won Argentina's third world title, although veteran winger Angel Di Maria was not considered after retiring from international football following the 2024 Copa America.

Weverton was part of the Brazil squad at Qatar 2022, where the Seleçao were eliminated by Croatia in the quarterfinals.

CBF doctor Rodrigo Lasmar delivered the blow ahead of a players' press conference, confirming the 34-year-old forward faces two to three more weeks on the sidelines.

Borussia Monchengladbach attacking midfielder Reyna appeared as a substitute in the USA's friendly defeats to Belgium and Portugal in March after impressing Pochettino during last November's international window.

The 33-year-old forward, once one of the most prolific goalscorers in England at Tottenham Hotspur, has yet to hit the mark for Los Angeles FC in the league so far this season.