Bangladeshi volunteer Tofayel Islam plays key role in FIFA World Cup ceremonies

Tofayel Islam, a Bangladeshi national, is serving as a volunteer for the FIFA World Cup at the Los Angeles venue, contributing to pre-match ceremonies. His responsibilities include carrying official flags, managing player entry protocols, and ensuring the smooth execution of the entire on-field process. Islam described his role as a small part of the grand spectacle witnessed by billions. The pre-match ceremonies, though brief on television, require meticulous planning and coordination involving over a hundred people. Islam's duties begin approximately five hours before each match, involving check-ins, dressing room preparations, and full-scale rehearsals on the field. He has had the opportunity to interact with international football stars like Romelu Lukaku and Lamine Yamal, describing these moments as incredibly special for a football enthusiast. His journey to the World Cup began with registering for FIFA newsletters while pursuing his MBA in Los Angeles. Growing up in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Islam developed a deep passion for football and also engaged in various volunteer activities, including scouting and working with organizations like the Red Crescent, Rotary, and Lions Club. These experiences proved invaluable when he applied to be a World Cup volunteer in 2025, eventually being selected for the ceremonies team after a rigorous selection process. He was part of the special Flag Protocol Team, tasked with carrying the official flag for the Canadian team during matches against South Africa. Working with volunteers from diverse backgrounds has created an international family, and Islam shared stories of Bangladesh's football culture with his colleagues. His assignment in Los Angeles concluded after the Spain vs. Belgium quarter-final on July 10th. Islam's ultimate dream is to witness Bangladesh compete in the FIFA World Cup and to participate in a pre-match ceremony carrying the national flag.