As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, football fever has swept across Bangladesh and the country’s entertainment industry is no exception. From die-hard Argentina and Brazil supporters to loyal followers of Germany, Spain and Portugal, showbiz personalities are gearing up to cheer for their favourite teams during football’s biggest spectacle.
While fans remain curious about which side superstar actor Shakib Khan supports, the actor has continued to keep his allegiance a mystery. Over the years, he has been linked with both Brazil and Argentina, but ahead of this World Cup, he has yet to reveal his choice.
Actor Siam Ahmed stands out from the crowd as a passionate supporter of Spain. He admires Spanish football for its precise passing, possession-based approach and attacking rhythm, describing the team’s style as uniquely aesthetic. Veteran actor Abul Hayat remains firmly behind Brazil. Having grown up watching the Seleção, he says the team’s flair and beauty make it football’s ultimate artistic expression, although he also enjoys watching Argentina. Argentina, however, dominates the list of celebrity favourites. Actress Mehazabien Chowdhury says she supports Argentina because of Lionel Messi and believes football should be enjoyed without hostility among rival fans.
Chanchal Chowdhury has supported Argentina since childhood, a passion now shared by his son, creating a festive atmosphere in their household whenever the World Cup arrives.
Former footballer and actor Azizul Hakim continues to back Germany. Having played for Victoria Sporting Club, he admires German discipline, tactics and teamwork. He hopes the four-time champions can bounce back after disappointing recent campaigns.
Singer Asif Akbar supports Brazil, while actress-model Monalisa cheers for Argentina and hopes to see the Albiceleste enjoy another successful tournament.
Actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila credits both Diego Maradona and Messi for her love of Argentina, saying the team has won hearts through both results and beautiful football. Actress Tanzika Amin describes Argentina as an emotional attachment and hopes the team can produce its best performances.
Model-actor Abdun Noor Sajal says his admiration for Argentina began with Maradona during childhood and remains unchanged. Actress Naznin Niha also supports Argentina, largely because of her admiration for Messi.
Actress Bidya Sinha Mim backs Brazil, citing a lifelong admiration for Pelé’s country, while actress Puja Cherry proudly calls herself a Messi fan and hopes Argentina can achieve another memorable success under his leadership.
Among those publicly backing Argentina are actresses and entertainers including Mahiya Mahi, Deepa Khandakar, Sumaiya Shimu, Nadia Ahmed, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Salma Khan Nadia, Nirob and Emon, among others.
Brazil’s celebrity fan base includes Nazifa Tushi, Apu Biswas, Omar Sani, Moushumi, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Bappy Chowdhury, Misha Sawdagor, music artists Joy Shahriar and Bappa Mazumder.
Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba says he loves Brazil’s unique rhythm and style of play. Actor Rawnak Hasan is hoping for Brazil’s long-awaited sixth World Cup title, though he also enjoys watching Messi and believes Argentina remain strong contenders.
Singer Monir Khan and musician Arfin Rumey are both rooting for Argentina, praising the influence of Maradona and Messi. Actor Shahed Sharif Khan, however, has switched his support to Portugal and hopes Cristiano Ronaldo can finally lift the World Cup trophy.
Actress Monira Mithu says she has followed Argentina since Maradona’s era and has never changed teams. Actress Zakia Bari Mamo recalls the joy of Argentina’s last World Cup triumph and is eager to watch the team again, even though her son supports Brazil. Meanwhile, actress Jannatul Sumaiya Heme remains loyal to Brazil, a family tradition inspired by her father and brother, with Neymar among her favourite players.
With stars divided across football’s biggest rivalries, one thing is certain: Bangladesh’s entertainment world will be watching the World Cup as passionately as the fans filling rooftops with flags across the country.
