Tariq Kazi and Shekh Morsalin returned to the Bangladesh squad while goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico was dropped as Bangladesh national football team coach Javier Cabrera announced a 26-member squad on Thursday for their Group I remaining two matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 joint qualifiers.听
Bangladesh will host Australia at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka on June 6 before facing Lebanon at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar on June 11.
Tariq and Morsalin were left out of the last squad due to injuries but have recovered to book a place.
The Bashundhara Kings duo last played for national side against Lebanon in the qualifiers match at home on November 16 last year before missing the next two matches against Palestine.
Their club team-mate, Zico, was left on the bench in both matches against Palestine, and was axed this time around.
Mohammedan Sporting Club keeper Sujon Hossain, following an impressive domestic campaign, received his maiden call up.
Another Kings defender Rimon Hossain, who was previously called for the two FIFA friendlies against Afghanistan at home in September 2023, has been recalled听 while Mohammedan defender Murad Hasan and Sheikh Jamal defender Taj Uddin were dropped from previous squad.
Defender Bishwanath Ghosh and midfielder Mojibor Rahman Jony are in the squad but will miss the match against the Socceroos due to suspension.
Defender Mehedi Hasan, midfielder Sushanto Tripura, and forward Md Abdullah have been recalled, while midfielders Rabiul Hasan and Jayed Ahmed were dropped.
Among others, forward Foysal Ahmed Fahim was dropped due to injury, while forwards Sumon Reza and Arman Faysal Akash were left out.
鈥業t has been a bit tricky to finalise the squad. We are convinced that we are calling the players who are in the right moment to provide the best for the team, 鈥機abrera said after announcing the squad.
Bangladesh are already out of contention to reach the third round after losing three out of their previous four matches and currently sit bottom of the four-team group with just a point.
In their previous games, Bangladesh lost 0-7 to Australia, 0-5 and 0-1 to Palestine, and drew 1-1 with Lebanon.
The players have been asked to report at the Kings Arena on June 1, a day before the camp starts.
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Squad
Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Sujon Hossain; Defenders:听 Bishwanath Ghosh, Rimon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Rahmat Mia, Isa Faysal, Sakil Hossain, Saad Uddin, Topu Barman, Sushanto Tripura; Midfielders: Sohel Rana (Sr), Mohammad Ridoy, Sohel Rana(Jr), Mojibor Rahman Jony, Chandan Roy, Jamal Bhuyan, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee; Forwards: Rakib Hossain, Shekh Morsalin, Md Abdullah, Shahriar Emon, Rafiqul Islam, Rabbi Hossain听Rahul.