Bangladesh has never played in the FIFA World Cup. Yet every four years, the country experiences a football fever that rivals many nations competing on the sport’s biggest stage.
As the tournament approaches, the streets of Dhaka begin to transform. Giant flags of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain and other footballing nations stretch across rooftops and alleyways.
Walls become canvases for colourful murals and graffiti depicting football legends.
The excitement is impossible to miss. A simple walk through the capital offers a glimpse into a nationwide celebration of a game played thousands of miles away.
The passion extends far beyond the streets. Football dominates conversations at tea stalls, offices, schools and university campuses.
Friends debate which team will lift the trophy, while families proudly display their football loyalties. During World Cup season, support for a favourite nation often becomes a matter of identity.
Perhaps nothing illustrates this devotion better than the stories that emerge every tournament.
In one widely discussed case, a farmer named Amjad Hossain, 65, from Magura reportedly sold part of his wife’s land to finance the creation of a 7.5-kilometre-long German flag.
Across the country, supporters compete to display the largest flag, turning football fandom into a matter of local pride. The World Cup also brings an economic boost.
Small businesses thrive as demand surges for flags, jerseys, banners, face paint and football-themed merchandise. Street vendors and local craftsmen seize the opportunity, transforming football passion into seasonal commerce.
Art, too, becomes part of the spectacle. Local artists paint giant portraits of football stars on neighbourhood walls, while young people gather to create murals celebrating their favourite teams.
These colourful displays add a festive atmosphere that extends well beyond the ninety minutes of a football match.
For a nation absent from the tournament itself, Bangladesh’s connection to the World Cup remains extraordinary.
The country may not have a team on the field, but when football’s greatest show begins, Bangladesh joins the celebration in its own unique way.
