Will Bangladesh ever play in the FIFA World Cup?

Every time the FIFA World Cup arrives, Bangladesh is swept up in football fever. The flags of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, and other nations flutter from rooftops across the country. Debates over favourite teams dominate tea stalls, classrooms, and offices. However, amid this excitement, one question remains: why are we so passionate about supporting other nations?
Despite being home to around 180 million people, Bangladesh has never won an Olympic medal. The men's national football team is ranked far below the world's elite, while the women's team, despite recent progress, still has a long way to go. Cricket has brought memorable victories, but the country is yet to win an Asia Cup or ICC World Cup. Wherever international tournaments are held, Bangladeshi supporters proudly gather to cheer. But is it time to aspire for more than being enthusiastic spectators?
One of the biggest barriers is our attitude towards sports. Most parents encourage academic success but view sports as a distraction rather than a career. As a result, many talented children are discouraged from pursuing their passion. Even those who persevere face inadequate facilities, a shortage of qualified coaches, limited equipment, and, at times, corruption and favouritism in talent development.
The problem extends beyond sports infrastructure. Many children still lack proper nutrition and access to basic necessities, making it difficult to realise their athletic potential. Without healthy, well-supported children, sporting excellence remains an uphill battle.
Changing this reality requires both government action and social change. Investment in modern facilities, transparent sports administration, and school-based sports programmes must go hand in hand with a shift in public attitudes.

Fahmida Tabassum Farha
Student Social Work Department
Jagannath University
Email:fahmidafarha888@gmail.com