The Bangladesh football team secured their spot in the second round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Maldives 3-2 over two matches in the pre-qualifiers. This victory means that Bangladesh will have the opportunity to participate in more international matches in the next three years. Let’s take a look at Bangladesh’s opponents along with match schedules and fixtures in the next round.
Over the next three years, Bangladesh will have a chance to participate in at least 12 international matches in the FIFA World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. Bangladesh will face Australia, Palestine, and Lebanon in the second round of the World Cup pre-qualifiers.
This is the last stage of World Cup pre-qualification. There are a total of 9 groups here. Bangladesh is placed in Group I, alongside Australia, Palestine, and Lebanon. Out of these 9 groups (Group A to Group I), the top two teams from each group – a total of 18 teams – will advance to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers.
These 18 teams will get tickets for the 2027 Asian Cup directly. Considering Bangladesh’s football potentials and the reality, it must be said that it is very difficult to be in the top two from the group.
Bangladesh’s Matches in the Second Round Qualifiers of FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
| Date and Time (Bangladesh Time) | Match | Venue |
| November 16, 2023; 3:00 PM | Australia vs Bangladesh | Melbourne Rectangular Stadium |
| November 21, 2023; 5:45 PM | Bangladesh vs Lebanon | Bashundhara Kings Arena, Dhaka |
| March 21, 2024; Time to be announced | Bangladesh vs Palestine | Venue to be announced |
| March 26, 2024; Time to be announced | Palestine vs Bangladesh | Venue to be announced |
| June 6, 2024; Time to be announced | Bangladesh vs Australia | Venue to be announced |
| June 11, 2024; Time to be announced | Lebanon vs Bangladesh | Venue to be announced |
Bangladesh’s Performance in the First Round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Bangladesh played two matches against Maldives in the first round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The first match took place on October 12, and the second match was on October 17.
Bangladesh drew against the Maldives in the 2026 Football World Cup qualifier playoffs’ first match. Jamal Bhuiyan’s team left the field with a last-minute goal to draw 1-1 in the first leg.
These two countries of South Asia faced each other at 5 pm in Male, Maldives. In this exciting match with lots of attacks and counterattacks, neither team managed to score until the 86th minute. It seemed like the game was heading for a tie, but unfortunately, Bangladesh conceded a goal in the 87th minute. When Bangladeshi defender Tariq Kazi cleared the cross from the right wing, it hit another defender and went to the feet of Maldives footballer Nazim. From there, this footballer did not make a mistake in the target.
However, in a thrilling turn of events, Saad Uddin scored a goal for Bangladesh in the 93rd minute, saving the match from a loss. Notably, this is the first time since the year 2000 that Bangladesh has managed to score a goal at this stadium in Male.
On October 17, Bangladesh won by 2-1 against Maldives in the second leg of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 joint qualifiers preliminary round. The match took place at the crowded Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka. Rakib scored the first goal for the home team, but Aisam Ibrahim from Maldives equalized the score. Early in the second half, Fahim put Bangladesh in the lead. However, in the 59th minute, Sohel Rana received a red card, leaving Bangladesh with only 10 players on the field.
Despite being a player short, the Bangladesh team coached by Javier Cabrera displayed incredible determination and courage, maintaining their lead for the remaining 31 minutes with great determination and flexibility.
Prospects of Bangladesh team in the FIFA World Cup 2026’s Second Round Qualifiers
Bangladesh showed great promise in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. They played two matches against Maldives and demonstrated their determination to compete internationally. This showcased their fighting spirit and adaptability.
As Bangladesh moves on to the second round of qualifiers, they face tougher opponents like Australia, Lebanon, and Palestine. Australia is challenging, but Bangladesh’s determination against the Maldives suggests they can compete. Lebanon, which beat Bangladesh in the 2023 SAFF Championship, will be a familiar rival. Palestine, with their own limited successes, winning only one out of five matches this year, provides Bangladesh with an opportunity to shine.
Bangladesh’s performance in the second round will depend on their consistency, teamwork, and the coaching tactics of Javier Cabrera. While the road ahead is tough, Bangladesh’s first-round performance gives hope for a competitive campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The team’s ability to stay calm, even with fewer players, is a good sign for their upcoming matches. With dedication and strategic planning, Bangladesh’s football team has the potential to make a mark on the world stage as they aim for a World Cup spot. However, considering the opponents’ performance, Bangladesh will have a minimum chance of winning the second round.
Bangladesh’s journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers shows the team’s determination. The victory against the Maldives in the first round earned them a spot in the second round, which is proof of their progress in international football. As they prepare to face Australia, Lebanon, and Palestine, the challenges ahead are evident. Although the odds in the second round may not be favorable for Bangladesh, their participation in the second round of qualifiers is a significant achievement.
