'How Can People Kill Someone Over A Football Match?': Bangladesh's World Cup Fever Leaves 12 Dead

Published 10 July 2026 · sports

'How Can People Kill Someone Over A Football Match?': Bangladesh's World Cup Fever Leaves 12 Dead Published By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 18:22 IST

'How Can People Kill Someone Over A Football Match?': Bangladesh's World Cup Fever Leaves 12 Dead Published By, Last Updated: July 10, 2026, 18:22 IST From fatal stabbings and alleged lynchings to electrocutions while hoisting team flags, Bangladesh's World Cup obsession has left at least 12 people dead in a month. Bangladesh fans carrying Argentina's flags march during a rally supporting Argentina during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament in Dhaka. (IMAGE: AFP) Bangladesh has never played at a FIFA World Cup. Yet every four years, the country turns into a sea of yellow and green or blue and white. Football has long enthralled millions across Bangladesh and neighbouring West Bengal, once part of undivided Bengal. But while the sport enjoys a devoted following on both sides of the border, Bangladesh’s football obsession often makes headlines — and, in today’s parlance, goes viral — for the sheer scale of its celebrations. This World Cup, however, Bangladesh has gone viral for another, far grimmer reason. The country, which has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, has witnessed a series of fan clashes, fatal stabbings, alleged lynchings and even accidental deaths linked to football celebrations, turning a month-long festival of sport into one of its deadliest in recent memory.

The latest victim was 38-year-old Mohammad Shariful Islam from Uttar Cheranga village in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila, who had moved to Cumilla about eight months ago in search of work. The e-rickshaw driver was allegedly beaten to death following a minor altercation while watching the Argentina-Egypt World Cup match on television. According to investigators, Islam became involved in an argument with several local youths during the match. The confrontation soon turned violent and he later succumbed to his injuries. The attack took place shortly after midnight on Tuesday at Mohsin Mia’s shop in Dhanpur under Cumilla’s Adarsha Sadar upazila. Date Incident Place July 8 Shariful Islam beaten to death after Argentina-Egypt match dispute Cumilla July 8 NCP leader Fayaz Tajrian killed in motorcycle crash while travelling to watch Argentina-Egypt match Chattogram July 3 Mostafa Kazi hacked to death after football-related village dispute Narail July 3 Mahidul Islam killed after goalpost collapsed during celebrations Chattogram July 3 Khokon Karmakar collapsed and died before supporters’ friendly match Barguna July 1 BNP leader Abul Bashar Badshah hacked to death after Brazil-Japan dispute Dhaka (Adabor) June 29 Nahid Hasan, 15, allegedly stabbed to death after Brazil-Japan match dispute Ashulia June 19 Mahin Sheikh electrocuted while hoisting a Brazil flag Mymensingh June 15 Ramhari Baishnab electrocuted while hanging an Argentina flag Chattogram June 13 Babul Islam killed in motorcycle crash en route to Brazil supporters’ procession Bhola June 9 Faisal Hossain electrocuted while putting up a Brazil flag Manikganj “How can people kill someone over a football match?