
Out of ten African nations participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only two have progressed to the Round of 16. Egypt secured their spot by defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, marking their first-ever knockout-stage win at a FIFA World Cup. They are set to play Argentina in the next round. Morocco was the first African team to qualify for the Round of 16, beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, and will face co-hosts Canada. Eight other African representatives have been eliminated: Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Senegal, Ghana, and Cape Verde in the Round of 32, and Algeria in the group stage.
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 Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadOsun State University UNIOSUN has rejected parts of a statement from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding alleged sexual assaults involving military personnel and university members. The Army had stated it received no formal complaints or credible evidence of rape allegations and appealed for victims and witnesses to provide evidence to its ongoing investigation. UNIOSUN, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, welcomed the Army's Board of Inquiry but expressed concern that alleged victims were expected to report directly to the institution whose personnel are under investigation. The university believes this approach ignores the trauma and fear survivors of sexual violence often face. UNIOSUN also refused to reveal student identities or compel them to appear before military authorities, citing its duty of care, confidentiality, and protection for students. The university reiterated its commitment to student welfare and safety, stating that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, would continue to support students reporting harassment or abuse. UNIOSUN maintained that sexual assault investigations should be victim-centered, independent, transparent, and inspire public confidence, arguing that survivors should not fear intimidation by reporting directly to those connected with the investigation. The university disagreed with the Army's characterization of the Vice-Chancellor's comments as unconfirmed, insisting they were made res

France captain Kylian Mbappé has become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage history, achieving 10 goals. The 27-year-old reached this milestone after scoring two goals in France’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32 on June 30. Mbappé's average of 1.11 knockout-stage goals per game is the highest among active players on the list. Argentina captain Lionel Messi is among four players with six knockout-stage goals, having added to his tally in Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time win against Cape Verde. According to FIFA, only 20 players in World Cup history have scored at least five goals in knockout matches. FIFA also noted that comparisons across different eras should consider the evolving World Cup format, as tournaments like 1934 and 1938 were entirely knockout-based, while the 1950 World Cup had no knockout stage, and other editions featured limited knockout matches.
BreakingFuneral ceremonies for Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei began on Saturday, drawing thousands of participants. Iranian authorities anticipate between 15 and 20 million attendees in Tehran alone over three days. Six days of ceremonies are planned to commemorate Khamenei, who led the Islamic republic from 1989 until his death at 86 on February 28. The events will be closely watched for signs of Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named supreme leader a week after his father's death but has not yet appeared publicly. Mourners carrying red banners, symbolizing vengeance, gathered in Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex, chanting “death to America” and “revenge, revenge.” Security measures are significant, with blocked roads and anticipated airspace closure for what is expected to be the largest public event in Iran since the burial of Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. The coffin will lie in state until Monday, with a procession through Tehran, then move to Qom on Tuesday, Shia holy cities in Iraq on Wednesday, and finally Mashhad for burial on Thursday. Top Iranian officials, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, chief of the Revolutionary Guards, paid their respects. International guests included Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Russian ex-president Dmitry Medvedev. Representatives from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Taliban government also attended. Army chief Amir Hatami vowed that Israel and the US “will pay for the bl