England secures third place at 2026 World Cup after defeating France
via Lefaso.net1 min read
England claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup, beating France 6-4 in a high-scoring third-place playoff match on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Both teams had been eliminated in the semi-finals. This victory places England on the podium after being the unfortunate finalist in Euro 2024. France, the 2018 World Champion and 2022 World Cup finalist against Argentina, finished this edition just off the podium. Kylian Mbapp茅 of France leads the top scorers' chart with 10 goals in the tournament, two more than Lionel Messi, who has 8 goals. The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at 7 PM GMT, between reigning champions Argentina and Spain.
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The People's Republic of China donated medical equipment valued at 32 million FCFA to the Tengandogo University Hospital on July 17, 2026. This donation commemorates 50 years of Chinese medical missions in Burkina Faso and aims to strengthen healthcare cooperation between the two nations. The equipment, intended for cardiac care and general patient treatment, was lauded by Lin Somda, Director General of Tengandogo University Hospital, as invaluable and timely. He emphasized that it will significantly enhance healthcare services and emergency response capabilities. Somda also highlighted the continuous collaboration between Chinese medical teams and local staff at Tengandogo, calling the hospital a "living and vibrant symbol of Sino-Burkinabe health cooperation." Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, the Minister of Health, expressed Burkina Faso's gratitude, noting that hundreds of Chinese practitioners have offered their expertise and dedication since the first medical mission in 1976. He described the relationship as one of human solidarity and partnership in the pursuit of health and well-being. Chinese Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Zhao Deyong, reaffirmed his country's support, mentioning broader cooperation in infrastructure, technology transfer, and personnel training. The ambassador invited the Minister of Health to China in October 2026 for the World Conference on Traditional Medicine. The 17th Chinese medical mission team arrived in Burkina Faso in early 2026 and is currently
Burkina Faso has added 12 new intermediate-level field epidemiologists to its public health workforce, bringing the total number of graduates to 59. These professionals will enhance disease surveillance, investigate outbreaks, and support health responses across the country. The Field Epidemiology Training Program FETP, established in 2016 following the West African Ebola tragedy, aims to bolster national capacities in epidemiological surveillance and emergency health management. The Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Lucien Jean Claude Kargougou, highlighted the program's strategic importance in addressing persistent epidemic threats and the re-emergence of diseases like Ebola in some African nations. The FETP employs a "One Health" approach, integrating human health with animal health, environmental, and defense sectors for coordinated emergency responses. The program received accreditation from the international TEPHINET network in 2025. The US Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Joann Lockard, reaffirmed her country's commitment to strengthening health security, noting over 15 years of support for national efforts in disease surveillance and epidemic response. The World Health Organization WHO, represented by Dr. In猫s Da, also praised the program, especially its "One Health" approach, and pledged continued support to the Burkinabe government. Dr. Jules Val茅ry Bonzi, representing the graduates, emphasized their commitment to protecting the Burkinabe population and their readiness to i
Senegal faces significant internal divisions in both its political landscape and football administration. Politically, intense hostilities are observed between President Diomaye Faye and National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko. Sonko, the former Prime Minister, reportedly attempted to amend the constitution to limit the President's powers, particularly regarding the dissolution of the Assembly and control over political funds. The Constitutional Council rejected these amendments on procedural grounds, not on their merits. This move is seen as an effort by Sonko's Pastef party to counter President Faye, who is also building his own political base for the 2029 elections. In football, the Senegalese Football Federation is criticized for the national team's poor performance, including issues with coaching contracts and player bonuses. The Federation's attempt to blame the team doctor, who has served for ten years, drew strong condemnation from the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, which demanded a public apology. These situations underscore a broader concern that national leaders are focused on internal power struggles rather than addressing critical issues like youth unemployment and the high cost of living, which continue to drive Senegalese youth to seek opportunities abroad.