With just one final step remaining — the issuance of a Bangladeshi passport — Cuba Mitchell stands on the verge of fulfilling a dream shared by thousands of football fans across the nation.
In a landmark moment for Bangladeshi football, 21-year-old English-born midfielder Cuba Mitchell has received formal clearance from both the English Football Association (FA) and his club, Sunderland, to represent Bangladesh at the international level. According to sources within the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), the only remaining requirement is the issuance of his Bangladeshi passport — a process that is actively underway.
Mitchell’s application is being fast-tracked, and the necessary formalities are nearing completion. His journey to becoming a Bangladeshi citizen is now in its final phase, and all signs point to his availability for selection in the upcoming international windows. The buzz surrounding Mitchell’s inclusion in the national setup continues to grow, with fans flooding social media with messages of support and anticipation.
Currently playing in England’s non-league circuit, Mitchell has been unwavering in his desire to represent the country of his maternal heritage. Over the past few months, he has taken a proactive approach to meeting all eligibility requirements. His birth registration, national ID verification, and dual citizenship formalities for his grandparents — a process that often takes months — have already been completed.
Now, with an official passport application filed, Mitchell is closer than ever to donning the red and green of Bangladesh. This final administrative step marks the culmination of months of dedication and meticulous preparation.
Sources close to the BFF have praised Mitchell and his family for their professionalism and emotional commitment throughout the process. From gathering documents to fulfilling all legal requirements, Mitchell’s dedication to representing his maternal homeland has never wavered.
“This isn’t just about football,” said a BFF official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Cuba’s journey symbolizes a bridge between the diaspora and the national team. He genuinely wants to wear the red and green shirt.”
Mitchell joins a growing list of diaspora players expressing interest in representing Bangladesh. Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury has previously confirmed his openness to playing for the South Asian nation, while Canada international Shamit Shome is also being considered for a potential call-up. Combined with homegrown talents like Italy-based Fahamedul Islam — who recently rejoined the national camp after fan protests over his exclusion — Bangladesh is suddenly seeing the emergence of a deeper, more dynamic player pool.
Even without a confirmed debut date, Mitchell’s story has struck a deep chord with fans. His visible commitment and strong cultural ties have resonated with supporters eager for a revival in Bangladeshi football.
“There’s something poetic about a young man from England embracing his roots and choosing us,” one supporter wrote on social media. “We’ve been waiting for this.”
Though the exact date of his debut remains uncertain, Mitchell’s journey is rapidly approaching its conclusion. If the passport is issued in time, his availability for the next international window could provide a significant boost for the national side.
For now, fans remain hopeful — and all eyes are on the BFF to complete this final administrative step. The dream is alive, and Bangladesh’s footballing future may soon welcome one of its most exciting new names.