Aurélien Tchouaméni starts for France in World Cup 2026 semi-final against Spain
via SeneNews1 min read
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who missed the last two matches, is set to start for France in their World Cup 2026 semi-final against Spain on Tuesday in Arlington, near Dallas. The FIFA-released lineup shows Tchouaméni, recovered from a thigh injury sustained before the round of 16 match against Paraguay, replacing Manu Koné. He will play alongside Adrien Rabiot in the midfield's "double-pivot." Coach Didier Deschamps also selected Bradley Barcola for the left wing of the French attack, replacing Désiré Doué. The rest of the French defense remains classic, with Mike Maignan as goalkeeper, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano as center-backs, and Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne as full-backs. In attack, Michael Olise will play centrally, Bradley Barcola on the left, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé on the right, and captain Kylian Mbappé as the lone striker. For Spain, coach Luis de la Fuente has maintained the same team that defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Fabian Ruiz will make his second consecutive start, replacing Pedri. The 30-year-old PSG midfielder, who scored in the quarter-finals, will partner with Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. Pedro Porro is preferred over Marcos Llorente at right-back, and Alex Baena will continue on the left flank of the attack, with Lamine Yamal on the left wing.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadIn July 2026, Senegal is experiencing record national growth driven by offshore platforms at Sangomar and Grand Tortue Ahmeyim, with crude oil exports from Sangomar becoming the country's primary export product, injecting over 200 billion FCFA monthly and significantly reducing the national budget deficit. However, this economic prosperity is contrasted by an alarming social reality: youth unemployment is nearly 23%. Reports from the ANSD indicate that over 35% of young Senegalese are classified as NEET Not in Employment, Education, or Training. This paradox highlights a "growth without jobs" scenario, where the extractive industry generates substantial wealth for the state but creates few employment opportunities. Dr. Ama Diallo, a research professor, notes that while oil enriches the state, it does not improve the daily lives of households in Dakar's suburbs. The current government's rigorous sovereignty policy aims to maximize national gains from oil contracts, but public funds alone cannot spontaneously create millions of jobs. A significant skills mismatch exists, with 70% of local graduates holding degrees in humanities and management, while the offshore industry requires highly specialized technical skills. Fatima Ba, an employment policy specialist, emphasizes the need for training reform, stating that offshore platforms require highly specialized engineers, not humanities graduates. Traditional sectors like artisanal fishing and agriculture are struggling, leading ma
Must ReadJudicial authorities in Sierra Leone have announced the abandonment of treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Koroma, who led the West African nation from 2007 to 2018, was indicted in January 2024 for his alleged role in what authorities described as a 2023 coup attempt. He had traveled to Nigeria shortly after his indictment for medical treatment, with judicial authorization to stay for a maximum of three months, but did not return to Sierra Leone. A statement from the Attorney General and Minister of Justice's Office confirmed that a "notice of cessation of criminal proceedings" against Koroma had been filed, stating that the former president "is therefore free to return to Sierra Leone after his medical treatment or at any time of his choice." No specific explanation was provided for the decision to drop the charges, though political observers suggest it aims to promote national unity. The alleged coup attempt in November 2023 involved armed individuals assaulting a military arsenal, barracks, prisons, and police stations, resulting in clashes with security forces. Twenty-one people were killed, and hundreds of prisoners escaped before authorities regained control. At least 80 individuals, mostly military personnel, were arrested in connection with the events.
Must ReadFrance is set to play Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM Dakar time. Didier Deschamps has named Aurélien Tchouaméni, returning from injury, in the starting lineup. Tchouaméni will form a midfield "double-pivot" with Adrien Rabiot. The French attack will feature prominent players such as Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. SeneNews will provide live coverage of the match, including the score, goals, substitutions, cards, and highlights.