FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32 fixtures announced, nine African teams advance
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has progressed to the Round of 32 following the group stage, with the expanded tournament featuring 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition began on June 11, 2026. The knockout phase, which started with the Round of 32, will see winners advance to the Round of 16, scheduled to begin on July 4. The final match will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Nine out of ten African nations, including South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde, and Ghana, have secured spots in the Round of 32. Key matchups include Brazil vs. Japan, Netherlands vs. Morocco, Portugal vs. Croatia, Belgium vs. Senegal, and France vs. Sweden. The confirmed fixtures for June 28 to July 3 include South Africa vs. Canada, England vs. DR Congo, Belgium vs. Senegal, Switzerland vs. Algeria, Australia vs. Egypt, Argentina vs. Cape Verde, and Colombia vs. Ghana.
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The Congress of University Academics CONUA asserts that its advocacy for continuous academic activities and constructive engagement has enhanced stability in Nigeria's university system since 2023. CONUA President, Professor Niyi Sumonu, stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria that the union, officially recognized in 2023, has consistently promoted industrial harmony across public universities. Sumonu highlighted that CONUA's major achievement is its sustained advocacy for an uninterrupted academic calendar. He noted that the presence of multiple academic unions enriches discussions and expands solutions for higher education issues. The union has also advocated for improved welfare packages for academic staff, with recent improvements following discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and university unions. Sumonu emphasized that CONUA should be recognized as a distinct party in these renegotiations, having come into existence after the 2009 agreement, and that discussions with the government have concluded, with a draft agreement awaiting signing. Addressing brain drain, Sumonu urged the government to improve working conditions, remuneration, and research facilities to retain experienced academics. He stressed that universities require proper funding and advocated for alternative funding sources through stronger partnerships between universities and industry. Sumonu also called for transparency among stakeholders to
Co-hosts Canada and South Africa are set to make World Cup history as they meet in the opening game of the knockout round on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Neither nation has previously reached this stage of the tournament. South Africa, one of nine African teams in the last 32, secured their spot with a 1-0 win against South Korea after an initial 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Canada also advanced but lost their 'home' status by falling 2-1 to Switzerland in their final group game, necessitating their travel to the United States. Canadian coach Jesse Marsch is banking on the return of Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies, who was sidelined during the group phase due to a hamstring injury. Marsch stated that Davies' return is a significant boost for the team. South Africa's coach Hugo Broos expressed satisfaction with reaching the last 32, calling it a success, but emphasized his team's desire to progress further, believing they have a chance to win if they maintain their mentality and level of play from the South Korea match. In other tournament news, the Democratic Republic of Congo advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, setting up a match against England. Austria and Algeria also secured the final two berths in the last 32 after a 3-3 draw, which eliminated Iran. England defeated Panama 2-0, while Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1.
Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, a Nigerian woman, is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest Holy Bible reading marathon. The event, dubbed "144 Hours in the Word," began on June 22 at Novotel, Port Harcourt, and is scheduled to conclude on July 2, adhering to official Guinness World Records guidelines. As of Saturday, Habibat had surpassed the 100-hour mark. Videos show her reading aloud from a lectern and a desk, with digital timers tracking her progress and supporters cheering her on. Organizers confirm the attempt follows Guinness World Records regulations, allowing only limited breaks for essential needs. Habibat, a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, describes the challenge as a faith-driven initiative to promote deeper engagement with the Bible. Her Senior Pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, endorsed the attempt as a spiritual project to exalt God's Word and inspire believers. The challenge has garnered support from family, friends, and church members, and has gained social media attention. This attempt follows Samson Ajao's 2024 recognition by Guinness World Records for the world's longest marathon reading aloud, having read continuously for 215 hours. Ajao's achievement contributed to Nigeria's increasing number of Guinness World Record attempts, following other endurance challenges like Hilda Baci's cook-a-thon.