With the FIFA World Cup 2026 less than a month away, young footballers in Dhaka got a taste of the global football carnival as The Beautiful Game League (TBGL) organised the TBGL World Football Fiesta 2026 at the Gulshan Youth Club Football Turf on Friday.
The colourful youth football event was arranged to celebrate the excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup and promote grassroots football development in Bangladesh.
Four teams representing popular football nations – Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Bangladesh – took part in the semi-finals and final matches across three age categories: Under-9, Under-12 and Under-15.
The tournament created a festive atmosphere as children wearing the jerseys of their favourite World Cup teams competed enthusiastically in front of parents, organisers and football officials.
“I have played at Gulshan Club as goalkeeper for the first time. I’m very excited,” said young participant Afraz after taking part in the competition.
Another player said, “I came here to win the semi-final and final. It’s very good to be here.”
TBGL, a youth-focused football organisation dedicated to grassroots football promotion, hosted the event in association with the Growing Up Club.
According to the organisers, the initiative was aimed at inspiring the next generation of footballers through competitive matches and positive community engagement ahead of football’s biggest global event.
Parents also welcomed the initiative.
“I feel good that my son is participating here ahead of the World Cup excitement,” said one guardian present at the venue.
The event was attended by the Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh, H.E. Marcelo Carlos Cesa, along with diplomats from several football-loving nations. Officials from the Bangladesh Football Federation, including BFF president Tabith Awal, were also present and distributed trophies and medals among the young footballers.
TBGL organisers expressed hope that the tournament would inspire emerging football talents and contribute significantly to the development of youth football in Bangladesh.
