By Sanjoy Gour

DHAKA, June 23, 2026 (BSS) - Although Bangladesh is neither a host nor a participant nation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the tournament continues to generate extraordinary enthusiasm across the country.

As every World Cup approaches, Bangladesh transforms into a sea of colours, with supporters displaying giant flags, painting murals, wearing the jerseys of their favourite teams and taking part in street celebrations to cheer for football powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Portugal, despite the tournament being held thousands of miles away. 

Former Bangladesh national football team captain Mamunul Islam Mamun is no exception. The former midfielder, who represented Bangladesh from 2009 to 2020 and captained the national side from 2013 to 2016, believes the FIFA World Cup is the greatest sporting event in the world because it unites people regardless of nationality.

In an interview with BSS, Mamunul shared his thoughts on the World Cup.

BSS: Which team are you supporting this time? Have you supported the same team since childhood? 

Mamunul: I am supporting Argentina in this World Cup, and I have been an Argentina supporter since my childhood.

BSS: As a former professional footballer, do you watch matches emotionally as a fan, or do you analyse them from a technical perspective?
 
Mamunul: I genuinely enjoy football. During my playing days, I played with great passion, and now I continue to enjoy watching the game. Of course, my football experience also helps me appreciate the technical aspects of matches.

BSS: FIFA has expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams. What is your opinion on this decision?
Mamunul: I think it is a very positive decision. Expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams will make the competition more exciting and provide many more countries with the opportunity to compete on football's biggest stage.

BSS: What is your opinion on the use of Video Assisted Referee (VAR) and other technologies in football?

Mamunul: I think it is a positive development. Referees can make mistakes, but VAR and other technologies help them make more accurate decisions during matches.

BSS: When did you watch the first World Cup? What memories do you have of that tournament?

Mamunul: I still remember Brazil becoming champions in the 1994 World Cup. I also enjoyed watching legendary players like Romario and Bebeto.

BSS: Which team do you think will win this World Cup?

Mamunul: I think Argentina have a fair chance of winning the World Cup.

BSS: Which player's performance are you most eager to see?

Mamunul: Lionel Messi. There is still no one quite like him in world football. He is my favourite player, and I always look forward to watching him.

BSS: Every World Cup brings an incredible transformation among Bangladeshi football fans. People fly the flags of their favourite teams, wear jerseys and celebrate with great passion. How do you evaluate this enthusiasm?

Mamunul: I see it as something very special. The FIFA World Cup brings people from all over the world together. It creates happiness, unity and a shared passion for football, and that is what makes the tournament so special.