With the European club season now concluded following the UEFA Champions League final, world football's focus shifts firmly to the international stage. Players have returned to their home nations, and a packed schedule of national team fixtures awaits.
While Bangladesh gears up for its AFC qualifiers, Europe is abuzz with World Cup qualifiers and the semi-finals and final of the UEFA Nations League. South America, too, is engrossed in its FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, with both Latin American giants Brazil and Argentina poised for action very soon.
Brazil's recent appointment of former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti as head coach has generated significant buzz. One of club football's most decorated managers, Ancelotti now takes the reins of the most successful nation in World Cup history.
Ancelotti's tenure will kick off with an away fixture against Ecuador on Friday, June 7th, at 2:00 AM Bangladesh time. Brazil's first home match under the Italian will be against Paraguay on Tuesday, June 11th, at 3:45 AM Bangladesh time.
Much like Brazil, Argentina will also begin their June window with an away encounter. The Albiceleste, currently topping the FIFA rankings, will face Chile, who are languishing at the bottom of the CONMEBOL qualifying table. Their subsequent match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th, at 1:00 AM Bangladesh time, when they will take on Colombia.
Currently, Argentina leads the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying standings, with Brazil in fourth position. The top six teams from the region will secure direct qualification for the expanded 48-team World Cup.
