World Cup quarter-finals feature heavyweight matchups in the United States
via The Namibian3 min read
The World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage with eight teams remaining, all set to compete in the United States. France, considered favorites, will face Morocco in Boston. France has advanced through the group stage and defeated Sweden and Paraguay, showcasing a strong attack. Morocco, unbeaten, overcame the Netherlands on penalties and Canada 3-0, seeking revenge after losing to France in the semi-finals four years ago. Spain, having achieved six consecutive World Cup clean sheets, will play Belgium in Los Angeles. Spain's efficient play includes Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored four goals. Belgium enters after a 4-1 win against the United States and a 3-2 comeback victory against Senegal. Norway will challenge England in Miami. England, among the tournament favorites, saw captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham score 10 of their 11 goals, including three in a 3-2 win against Mexico. Norway's Erling Haaland has scored seven goals and will be a key threat. Argentina, the defending champions, will meet Switzerland in Kansas City. Argentina survived scares against Cape Verde and Egypt, with Lionel Messi playing a central role. Switzerland, reaching the last eight for the first time since 1954, beat Colombia on penalties.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Chinese technology company Huawei to assist in creating employment opportunities for Namibians as the country moves towards artificial intelligence AI and digital transformation. This request was made during a meeting with Huawei executives at their Shenzhen headquarters in China. Nandi-Ndaitwah commended Huawei's collaboration with Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology on smart city solutions and an AI-ready national data center. She emphasized that digital transformation should modernize public services, create jobs, and equip Namibians with necessary skills for an AI-driven economy. The president also acknowledged the Chinese government's 98 million yuan contribution to Namibia's smart city pilot project, which she believes will support innovation, industrialization, and skills development, strengthening public services and boosting investor and tourist confidence. While recognizing concerns about AI replacing jobs, Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that the partnership with Huawei would focus on preparing workers for new opportunities through digital skills training and innovation. Leo Chen, Huawei senior vice president for enterprise sales, affirmed the company's commitment to supporting Namibia's digital economy, strengthening data sovereignty, and providing technology solutions to improve governance and public service delivery.
The Independent Patriots for Change IPC has criticized the Namibian government for suspending restrictions that prevented Nasan Energies from sourcing fuel from Vitol. The IPC argues this decision weakens competition in the fuel sector and contradicts the government's justification of appointing a single bulk fuel supplier, which the party identifies as Vitol Bahrain EC. The Namibian Competition Commission NaCC had imposed these restrictions in April, finding that the deal would likely reduce competition. However, Minister Modestus Amutse suspended the conditions under Section 49 of the Competition Act, citing a lack of public representations during the review. The IPC claims Vitol already controls 75% to 85% of Namibia鈥檚 wholesale fuel market and warns that reduced competition could lead to higher fuel prices for consumers. The party has called for the minister to table the full Section 49 review record, including supporting documents and reasons for the decision. They also seek confirmation that Vitol is the single bulk supplier, details of its appointment terms, whether the NaCC was consulted before the suspension, and when the suspension will end.
The Namibia Football Association NFA is awaiting guidance from the Confederation of African Football CAF regarding Unam FC's request to compete in the 2026 CAF Confederation Cup. This follows CAF's extension of the club licensing deadline from June 30 to July 25, potentially allowing Unam FC, winners of the NFA Cup, to complete the necessary licensing process. NFA general secretary Mabos Vries confirmed receiving Unam FC's request. Namibia's two CAF club competition slots were provisionally allocated before the NFA Cup final, with African Stars nominated for the league champion slot. The NFA had nominated the league runners-up for the Confederation Cup to secure the second continental slot, as the NFA Cup final concluded on June 30. Following Unam FC's victory and CAF's deadline extension, the club formally requested consideration for the Confederation Cup. The NFA has since asked CAF for clarification on whether the extension permits new nominations or only applies to clubs already in the licensing process. Vries stated that the decision rests with CAF, and the NFA has sent a follow-up letter due to the urgency. If approved, Unam FC would still need to meet CAF's licensing requirements, including governance, infrastructure, legal, and administrative criteria. Football supporters await CAF's response.