Bengali communities in Bangladesh and Queens, New York, are backing Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].
This cross-continental devotion highlights how global sporting icons can create cultural bonds that transcend geography and national borders.
Fans in both regions have displayed an unusually strong devotion to the South American side during the tournament this July [1]. The connection is evident in both the streets of Bangladesh and among the Bengali diaspora in the U.S. [1]. This passion is driven by a long-standing cultural admiration for Argentine football legends, specifically Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi [2].
The bond is particularly striking given the physical distance between the two regions. Bangladesh and Argentina are separated by approximately 17,000 km [2]. Despite this gap, the nation has become a hub of avid supporters for the Argentine team [2].
In Queens, New York, the Bengali community has mirrored the enthusiasm found in Bangladesh [1]. Supporters have gathered to cheer for the team, often wearing jerseys, and displaying flags to signal their allegiance during the 2026 tournament [1].
This level of obsession is not tied to a specific diplomatic or economic tie, but rather to the individual brilliance of players who have captured the imagination of millions in South Asia [2]. The influence of Maradona and Messi has turned the footballing landscape of Bangladesh into a stronghold for Argentina's international success [2].
“Bangladeshi fans are backing Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The phenomenon demonstrates the 'soft power' of individual athletes in the modern era. By elevating players like Messi and Maradona to near-mythic status, Argentina has secured a massive, loyal fan base in a region where it has little other cultural or political footprint, effectively expanding the global brand of South American football.
