2026 World Cup quarter-final schedule announced
via Le Matin2 min read
The 2026 World Cup quarter-finals will feature a highly anticipated match between France and Morocco on Thursday at 9 PM in Boston, a rematch of their 2022 World Cup semi-final. On Friday at 8 PM, Spain will face Belgium in Los Angeles. Saturday's matches include Norway against England at 10 PM in Miami, followed by reigning world champions Argentina taking on Switzerland at 2 AM in Kansas City. Six of the eight qualified teams are European: France, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, and Switzerland, highlighting European football's dominance. Morocco represents the African continent, while Argentina is the sole South American representative still in contention.
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The Egyptian Football Association, through its president Hany About Rida, has formally requested FIFA open an investigation into French referee Fran莽ois Letexier. This request follows what the association describes as "flagrant refereeing errors and the application of a double standard" during a match, which they claim led to the Egyptian team's defeat. The association is asking for Letexier, his assistants, and the video assistant referees to be barred from officiating at the World Cup, pending an investigation into these errors and confirmation of discrimination against the Egyptian team. They specifically cite Mr. Letexier's "stubborn refusal" to review certain actions, which they believe should have resulted in a valid goal and a penalty for the Pharaohs. During the match, Fran莽ois Letexier disallowed a goal by Egyptian striker Mostafa Zico in the second half after VAR intervention, citing a foul at the start of the play. The Egyptians also believe they should have been awarded a penalty in added time for a shirt pull on Hamdy Fathy and contact between Mohamed Salah and Julian Alvarez in the box, just before Argentina's third goal. Following the match, Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan criticized the refereeing as "neither fair nor equitable," suggesting that pressure from the Argentinian side influenced the outcome.
The 55th National Festival of Popular Arts concluded in Marrakech, transforming the city into a vibrant stage for Moroccan traditions from July 2 to 6. The festival, held in historical venues like El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace, featured songs, dances, costumes, and rhythms from various troupes across the Kingdom. For over half a century, the festival has provided a platform for artistic practices deeply embedded in daily life across Morocco's mountains, plains, oases, and Saharan provinces. Performances included the synchronized movements of Ahidous, the intense percussions of Ahwach, and the unique choreography of the Tizwit troupe from Kal芒at M鈥橤ouna, whose name means "bee" in Amazigh and whose dance mimics a beehive's organization. Other acts like Abidat Rma engaged the audience with powerful drumming and call-and-response chants. Mohamed, a troupe member, expressed honor in sharing their traditions with diverse audiences. The Dakka Marrakchia performances at El Badi Palace resonated deeply due to the monument's acoustics. The festival also showcased the slow tempo of the "Kdra" from the southern provinces, the spiritual atmosphere of the Issaoua, the African roots of Moroccan culture through the Gnaoua, and the martial energy of Reggada. A significant aspect highlighted was the essential role of women in transmitting these traditions, leading chants and perpetuating ancestral knowledge. This edition also included performances from China and Africa, emphasizing shared el
Must ReadThe United Nations' 2026 report indicates that while the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs have yielded concrete results since 2015, an unprecedented global effort is required in the next four years to meet the Agenda 2030 commitments. Targeted investments, effective public policies, and international cooperation have improved the lives of billions, with nearly one billion people gaining access to safely managed drinking water and 1.2 billion to improved sanitation services. New HIV infections decreased by 30% and AIDS-related deaths by 35% between 2015 and 2024. Global electricity access reached 92%, and internet use rose from 40% to 74% of the population. Over half of the world's population now has some form of social protection. These advancements are partly attributed to better data availability, with a global database of over 3.2 million data points now tracking SDG indicators. Despite these positive developments, significant delays persist. Only 36% of the 139 targets with available data are on track or showing moderate progress, while nearly half are advancing too slowly, and 15% have regressed since 2015. Challenges include one in ten people living in extreme poverty, 2.3 billion suffering from moderate or severe food insecurity, and over 150 million children experiencing stunted growth. Maternal mortality remains nearly three times the global target, and no gender equality targets are on track. Climate change-related disasters have more than doubled since 2015, comp