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Haaland, Kane, and Messi headline 2026 World Cup semi-finals
via Le Matin2 min read
The 2026 World Cup semi-finals will feature highly anticipated matchups, with England facing Norway and Argentina playing Switzerland. The winners of these matches will compete for a spot in the final on July 15, following a semi-final between 2022 World Cup runners-up France and reigning European champions Spain. The England-Norway clash will see Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in four matches, including three braces, go against Harry Kane, who has six goals and has scored in every game except a 0-0 draw against Ghana. Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken praised Haaland as "the best player in the world today in the penalty area." At 25, Haaland is Norway's all-time leading scorer with 62 goals in 54 caps. Kane, a former Tottenham player, acknowledged their different playing styles, stating he prefers to be more involved in the game. Later, Lionel Messi, co-leading scorer of the tournament with eight goals, will lead Argentina against Switzerland. Messi has now scored 21 goals in World Cup finals, a record. Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, had close calls against Cape Verde and Egypt in earlier rounds. Swiss captain Granit Xhaka expressed his team's determination to challenge Argentina and potentially end Messi's international career, as the 39-year-old is playing in his last World Cup.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Must ReadJayden Adams, a promising South African footballer, has passed away at the age of 25. His mentor, Brendine Johnson, confirmed the death, stating that it has "shaken everyone." Adams had recently returned from the 2026 World Cup. He was a key young talent, having played 139 matches for Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. Adams participated in all three group stage matches for the Bafana Bafana during the 2026 World Cup and was part of the squad that won a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in C么te d'Ivoire. He and seven other Sundowns players who represented South Africa at the World Cup were granted two additional weeks of leave before the new season's preparations. Adams was scheduled to join Miguel Cardoso's group next week for a pre-season training camp in Austria. Mamelodi Sundowns has not yet released an official statement regarding the circumstances or cause of his death.
Lauryn Hill, a former member of the Fugees, brought a wave of nostalgia to Anfa Park at Jazzablanca 2026, performing a mix of hip-hop, soul, R&B, and reggae. She was joined on stage by Wyclef Jean, another former Fugees member, and together they revisited iconic Fugees tracks such as "Ready or Not," "Killing Me Softly," and "Fu-Gee-La." Hill also performed solo material from her career, including songs from her album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Her sons, YG Marley and Zion Marley, grandsons of Bob Marley, also made an appearance, showcasing their musical talent. Earlier in the evening, Colombian singer and guitarist Juanes energized the Casa Anfa stage with his Latin rock, performing hits like "Me Enamora," "Mala Gente," "Fotografia," "La Noche," and "La Camisa Negra." His performance blended Latin rhythms with rock influences. On Scene 21, American singer Ami Taf Ra presented her unique style, combining Moroccan roots with European influences, featuring contemporary jazz, oriental textures, and spiritual elements. She expressed her honor to perform at Jazzablanca and noted the inclusion of Gnawa sounds and Arabic passages in her latest jazz-focused album. Following her, Angolan artist Bonga performed, showcasing semba, an Angolan musical genre, and expressing his cultural identity through his music.
Must ReadOn July 9, the National Commission for the Coordination of Measures to Combat and Prevent Human Trafficking CNCLT, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC, the International Organization for Migration IOM, and the International Labour Organization ILO, held its annual meeting for civil society associations in Rabat. The meeting focused on "Online scams: what role for civil society organizations in Morocco, and what synergies with public and private actors?" This year's World Day Against Trafficking in Persons theme, "Trapped behind the scam," highlights how organized criminal networks have moved to digital platforms, recruiting victims through fictitious profiles and enticing job offers. Hicham Mellati, Director of Criminal Affairs, Pardons, and Crime Detection, and coordinating president of the CNCLT, noted the profound transformations in human trafficking, with criminals exploiting modern technology and social media. Siham Al Figuigui, Director of the UNODC office in Morocco, emphasized that trafficking has become lucrative, hybrid, and digital, thriving on social, economic, and political vulnerabilities. Rahim Amraoui, national focal point for labor migration at the ILO, highlighted forced labor often hidden behind online job scams, particularly affecting children and young people. The CNCLT identified a lack of specialized civil society associations in Morocco dedicated to combating human trafficking. To address this, the CNCLT plans to crea