June 15, 2026
Shakila Mim
Every love story needs three people: one who cannot let go, one who cannot stop bringing up the past and one who never asked to be involved in the place. For Bangladesh's football fans that love triangle consists of Brazil, Argentina and Germany.
Brazil and Argentina have been together for as long as most Bangladeshis can remember. Not together-together, of course. More like that neighbourhood couple who claim they hate each other but somehow spend all day talking about each other. Brazil arrives at the World Cup dressed in yellow carrying five World Cups and the confidence of someone who peaked in school and never quite got over it. Argentina arrives wearing three stars, a World Cup trophy and the energy of someone who has finally found success and wants absolutely everyone to know about it.
Every four years they meet. Every four years they fight. Every four years Bangladesh picks sides. Flags go up, friendships become fragile and Facebook comment sections become war zones. At first the arguments are civil.
