Host Bangladesh is gearing up to reclaim lost honour as they prepare to face formidable Palestine in the second leg of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers set to take place tomorrow at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. The much-anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 pm local time. Bangladesh faces a daunting challenge to revive their qualifying campaign after suffering a 0-5 defeat to Palestine in their previous encounter held in Kuwait. With only one point to their name and no wins yet, Bangladesh finds themselves at the bottom of the table after losses to Australia and Lebanon.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference held today at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, Bangladesh's national football team captain, Jamal Bhuyan, emphasized the team's determination to put the disappointment of the first match behind them and focus solely on the upcoming challenge. Acknowledging the setback of the previous match, Bhuyan highlighted the team's commitment to delivering a strong performance in the second leg against Palestine, emphasizing the importance of the match for their campaign. Expressing optimism, Bhuyan stated the team's desire to secure victory in front of their fans, deeming the upcoming match as a crucial opportunity to showcase their talent and determination.

Responding to queries, Bhuyan emphasized the significance of the match, stating their intention to offer a winning performance as a gift to the people of Bangladesh on March 26. Echoing Bhuyan's sentiments, head coach Javier Cabrera emphasized the magnitude of the upcoming fixture, underlining the importance of playing in front of a supportive home crowd. Cabrera expressed confidence in the team's preparation and morale following their analysis of the previous match. Cabrera highlighted the positive atmosphere expected at the Kings Arena and reiterated the team's unbeaten record at the venue, instilling further confidence ahead of the crucial encounter. Reflecting on past experiences, Cabrera stressed the team's focus on the second match and their determination to secure valuable points in the qualifiers.

Recalling previous matches against Australia and Lebanon, where Bangladesh faced mixed results, Cabrera expressed optimism for a favorable outcome in the upcoming fixture, buoyed by the team's improved confidence and preparation.