馃嚫馃嚦SenegalWest Africa
Lionel Messi addresses favoritism claims after Argentina reaches 2026 World Cup final
via SeneNews1 min read
Lionel Messi has defended the Argentine national team against accusations of favoritism from FIFA and referees, following their qualification for the 2026 World Cup final. After Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta, Messi stated that the team's success is due to their on-field performance, not external assistance. He highlighted Argentina's achievement of reaching five consecutive finals and two consecutive World Cup finals as proof of their high level, asserting they have been the best nation in the world in recent years. Claims of favoritism are not new, having also surfaced during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, Messi dismissed these allegations, emphasizing that the team has earned everything through their efforts on the field. Argentina is set to play Spain in the final on July 19, aiming to retain their world title.
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The Senegalese government has launched a call for applications for the position of Director General of the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority ARTP. This move aims to enhance transparency and merit-based appointments in strategic administrative roles, aligning with the New Technological Deal and the Senegal 2050 National Transformation Agenda. The future Director General will be responsible for defining and implementing ARTP's strategy, strengthening regulation in telecommunications, digital, and postal sectors, protecting users, promoting innovation, and developing the digital economy. The application process is open to all eligible Senegalese citizens, with a deadline of August 6, 2026. This procedure effectively ends the tenure of the current Director General, Dahirou Thiam, who was appointed under the current regime and is considered close to the Pastef party and the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko. This change is part of broader leadership transitions occurring across various general directorates and public institutions.
The 2026 World Cup saw Morocco emerge as the top-ranked African team, securing 7th place globally with 11 points from three wins, two draws, and one loss. Their campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a 0-2 defeat to France. Senegal, despite being African champions, had a disappointing run, finishing 31st worldwide and 8th among African representatives after being eliminated in the round of 16. They recorded one victory against Iraq 5-0 and three losses against France 1-3, Norway 2-3, and Belgium 2-3. Egypt placed second among African teams and 15th globally with six points, reaching the round of 16 before a 3-2 loss to Argentina. C么te d'Ivoire finished 19th with six points, DR Congo 23rd with four points, Ghana 24th with four points, South Africa 25th with four points, and Algeria 30th with three points. Cape Verde, a tournament revelation, ranked 32nd globally, just behind Senegal, with both teams earning three points. Tunisia was the only African team eliminated in the first round without scoring any points, finishing 47th overall.
Must ReadAfrican football teams received record prize money at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with over 7.8 billion CFA francs distributed, despite early eliminations for some. This new financial distribution system by FIFA aims to significantly develop football on the continent. The ten qualified African teams will share these prizes, which are expected to be a major lever for their football development. Senegal, Algeria, DR Congo, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, South Africa, and Ghana will each receive 13.5 million dollars after reaching the round of 32. Morocco, as the last African survivor in the tournament, reached the quarter-finals and earned 31.5 million dollars. Egypt secured 17.5 million dollars after reaching the round of 16, while Tunisia, eliminated in the group stage, will receive 10.5 million dollars, covering participation and preparation allowances. In total, the ten African representatives will accumulate 153.5 million dollars in prize money from the 2026 World Cup. This record sum reflects FIFA's commitment to increasing the economic benefits of the tournament for participating federations. For African countries, these revenues present a significant opportunity to invest in infrastructure, youth training, national competition development, and the professionalization of their national teams. While sporting results did not see an African team reach the semi-finals after Morocco's 2022 achievement, this 2026 edition marks a new step in the progress of African football. The challen