2026 World Cup: four teams already qualified for the round of 16
via Abidjan.net7 min read
As of Tuesday, June 23, 2026, four teams have already secured their spots in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. This update comes amidst other sports news, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr winning the Saudi Pro League, Neymar's return to the Brazilian national team for the World Cup, and Fa茅 Emerse explaining the selection of the 26 Elephants for the tournament. Additionally, Ivorian boxer Michel Soro won the IBO World Middleweight title in Abidjan, and the C么te d'Ivoire national team lost 2-1 to Germany in a group stage match in Toronto, despite Franck Kessi茅 scoring the opening goal.
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Senegal's national football team, the Lions of Teranga, experienced their second consecutive defeat at the 2026 World Cup, falling 3-2 to Norway in a match played at MetLife Stadium. This loss puts Senegal in a precarious position ahead of the final matchday in Group I. Despite periods of dominance in the first half, Senegal conceded a goal in the 43rd minute due to a defensive error by Kalidou Koulibaly, which allowed Marcus Holmgren Pedersen to score past goalkeeper 脡douard Mendy. Mendy had previously made several crucial saves against Kristoffer Ajer and Martin 脴degaard to keep his team in the game. In the second half, Erling Haaland extended Norway's lead in the 48th minute. Although Isma茂la Sarr scored for Senegal in the 54th minute, Haaland quickly responded with his second goal of the night in the 58th minute, effectively sealing Norway's victory. The situation worsened for Senegal when 脡douard Mendy left the game due to injury, replaced by Mory Diaw. However, the Lions of Teranga continued to fight, with Isma茂la Sarr scoring his second goal in added time 90th+3 to bring the score to 3-2. Despite their late efforts, Senegal could not find an equalizer. With two losses in two matches, their chances of advancing to the round of 16 are significantly diminished, and they now rely on a favorable outcome in the final group stage match to remain in the competition.
Must ReadA recent poll conducted by the Ivorian news website Abidjan.net indicates that the majority of its internet users support the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission CEI. The Ivorian authorities decided to dissolve the CEI on May 6, 2026. Out of 1237 votes, 56.83% 703 votes expressed complete agreement with the dissolution of the CEI, an institution that had long been criticized by a segment of the Ivorian political class. Conversely, 18.03% 223 votes disagreed with the dissolution, while 25.14% 311 votes offered no opinion on the matter. The poll, titled "What is your opinion on the dissolution of the Independent Electoral Commission CEI, long criticized by the opposition?", was open from May 9 and closed on June 22, 2026. Abidjan.net reminds readers that its polls reflect only the opinions of its website visitors.
Must ReadDr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development, presented the National Development Plan 2026-2030 PND to members of the General Confederation of Enterprises of C么te d'Ivoire CGECI on Monday. The private sector is expected to contribute 70.2% of the plan's financing, amounting to 80,614.7 billion CFA francs over five years, out of a total budget of 114,838.5 billion CFA francs. This initiative aims to unite the national private sector around the PND's ambitions ahead of the consultative group meeting scheduled for July 8 and 9, 2026, in Abidjan. The government views the private sector as the primary driver of economic transformation, industrialization, and job creation. The Minister highlighted solid economic fundamentals, including an average growth of 6.5% from 2021-2025, a budget deficit reduced to 3% of GDP, and an investment rate of 24% of GDP. Discussions with CGECI members focused on the participation of SMEs in priority projects, the relationship between the sovereign fund and the private sector, the emergence of national champions, and mechanisms for risk sharing and state facilitation. Dr. Diarrassouba urged Ivorian business leaders to participate in the upcoming consultative group meeting and commit to financing the plan.