Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win 2026 World Cup
via Abidjan.net8 min read
Spain's national team, La Roja, secured the 2026 World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. The final match took place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. Spain dominated possession with 68% compared to Argentina's 32%, but the game remained scoreless through regular time due to a well-organized Argentine defense. The decisive moment came in the 106th minute of extra time when Ferran Torres, who entered the game in the 61st minute, scored the only goal. This victory marks Spain's second World Cup title, following their win in 2010. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, was hoping to retain their world title but ultimately succumbed to Spain's pressure. Argentina also finished the match with ten players after Enzo Fern谩ndez received a second yellow card in added time of extra time, leading to his expulsion.
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 Abidjan.net.
The Central Bank of West African States BCEAO commenced a two-day regional seminar on Monday, July 20, 2026, at its headquarters in Dakar. The seminar is designed for economic journalists from member countries of the West African Monetary Union UEMOA. Presided over by Mr. Habib Thiam, the institution's Secretary General, on behalf of Governor Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, this event is the second of its kind, following a previous one in May 2013. It reflects the BCEAO's commitment to establishing a continuous and structured dialogue with the Union's media. The Secretary General highlighted that the Central Bank operates amidst numerous geopolitical, economic, financial, and security challenges, compounded by accelerating digitalization and technological advancements. In response to these changes, the BCEAO has reaffirmed its strategic goal to be "an innovative and resilient Central Bank, serving the populations and sustainable development of the Union's economies." This vision is supported by a renewed communication policy, emphasizing proactivity and proximity, to better explain monetary decisions and financial issues that affect citizens' daily lives. Economic journalists are considered "privileged relays" crucial for deciphering and popularizing complex financial topics for the general public. Over the two days, institutional experts will lead interactive sessions on key UEMOA priorities, including monetary policy and financial stability, economic financing and inclusion, and di
Must ReadSenegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has been appointed the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government. He takes over from Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, whose one-year term leading the sub-regional organization concluded. President Bio officially handed over the leadership to the Senegalese head of state during a transition ceremony. On his social media, Julius Maada Bio acknowledged the transition, referring to President Faye as his "younger brother" and extending his best wishes for success in this strategic mission leading the West African community.
The 3rd edition of the Mobile Phones and Applications Exhibition STAM officially opened on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Sofitel Abidjan H么tel Ivoire. The event, themed "Africa, a laboratory of innovation: challenges and perspectives," aims to promote African expertise in mobile technology and foster a competitive digital ecosystem. Kodioro Fofana, STAM 3 General Commissioner, stated that the exhibition seeks to highlight African know-how in mobile phone design and manufacturing, serving as a platform for smartphone manufacturers to sell their products. Organizers also intend to connect application developers, smartphone manufacturers, and startups to increase their visibility and access to investors. Arriko Bienvenue, representing Dosso Mebeti, Director General of the Information and Biotechnology Village VITIB, emphasized the Ivorian state's efforts to accelerate digital development, noting VITIB's role in leveraging digital technology for transformation. Fabiola Bernard, representing event patron Fabrice Sawegnon, discussed STAM's evolution, highlighting a shift from merely consuming technology to aspiring to design and produce it on the continent. The event included a high-level panel on "From import to manufacturing: building a sustainable value chain for components in Africa," featuring Etty Claude, Mohamed Tour茅, and Alice Ni茅, alongside various conferences on technological innovation in Africa.