In Bangladesh, a country of 170 million people that has never qualified for the World Cup, football fans have been rushing since May to out-do each other with giant flags of Argentina and Brazil. Towering cut-outs of Lionel Messi have appeared in residential areas, and thousands have gathered at public squares to watch matches on giant screens — like the semi-final in which Argentina beat England 2-1 to reach the 19 July final. This fervent support for two foreign teams, despite no geographical or political ties, is a unique phenomenon that has been generational, occasionally sparking rivalry between friends — and, tragically, even violence.
At its heart, Bangladesh's love for Argentina is rooted in the legacy of Diego Maradona. The affection for the Latin American nation, passed down through generations, was acknowledged by Fifa and Argentine players in 2022, who were overwhelmed by the backing from a country almost 17,000km away. For many Bangladeshis, supporting Argentina or Brazil is a rare chance to feel part of the World Cup, a tournament their own national team has never reached. Fans buy replica jerseys for around £3 and decorate streets with flags, turning the World Cup into a national celebration.
“Explains why Bangladesh supports Argentina and Brazil despite never qualifying for the World Cup.”
This passion has also led to deadly incidents. During the 2026 tournament, at least 12 people died in World Cup-related violence. In Cumilla, rickshaw driver Md Shariful Islam, 38, was killed after mocking Messi's missed penalty during an Argentina-Egypt match. In Narail, Mostafa Kazi was hacked to death in a football-related dispute. Fayaz Tajrian died in a motorcycle crash in Chattogram while travelling to watch the same Argentina-Egypt match. Another fan, Mahidul Islam, was killed when a goalpost collapsed. In Argentina itself, celebrations turned destructive: vandals in Merlo, Buenos Aires, ransacked and set fire to Primary School No. 1, founded in 1862, after the semi-final victory. A parent described the vandals as "criminals", noting similar destruction had happened after the previous World Cup.
For UK readers, this story highlights how football fandom can transcend national borders — and how England's on-pitch rivals have passionate backers thousands of miles away. It also shows the dark side of that passion, where disputes over missed penalties can turn deadly. British expats or travellers in Bangladesh may witness this intense atmosphere during World Cups, and it underscores the global reach of the Premier League and English football, even when England's team is the opponent.
Q: Why do Bangladeshis support Argentina and Brazil? The support is generational, rooted in Maradona's legacy and the lack of a home team at the World Cup. Bangladesh has never qualified, so fans adopt historic powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil as their own.
Q: Has this support ever caused violence? Yes. During the 2026 World Cup, at least 12 people died in Bangladesh in incidents linked to football arguments, including a man killed for mocking Messi's missed penalty and another hacked to death in a dispute.
Q: How do Bangladeshi fans celebrate World Cup matches? Fans buy replica jerseys for around £3, display giant flags, erect cut-outs of Messi, and gather at public screens to watch games. The semi-final against England drew thousands to a market square in Munshiganj.
What happens next: The final between Argentina and Spain will be played on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. In Bangladesh, fans will gather again to watch, hoping for another title for their adopted team. Meanwhile, authorities in Argentina are still assessing damage to the vandalised school, and the FA has confirmed Thomas Tuchel will remain England head coach for the 2028 Euros hosted by the UK and Ireland.