Bangladesh, who are currently taking preparations in Saudi Arabia ahead of their campaign in the upcoming double-leg joint qualifiers (round two) Group I for FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027, played out a goalless draw with African nation Sudan in the first unofficial practice match.

The match was held at a closed-door stadium in Al-Taif, Saudi Arabia on Sunday night. Bangladesh are currently 183rd while Sudan are 127th in the FIFA rankings.

The men in red and green will play the second practice match against Sudan on 14 March before heading to Kuwait to play the away match against Palestine on 21 March.

“It was an important day not because of the result which wasn't the priority in any case but the priority was how much we evolved after coming here in the last seven days and it was a very positive performance,” said head coach Javier Cabrera. 

“Some 24 players played and everyone performed well and took one more step forward in the preparation,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will host Palestine in their home match (second-leg) of the joint qualifiers on 26 March at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka.