North Africa’s largest country with a volatile mix of energy heft and political currents
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record and continued a prolific tournament run. He has scored in consecutive World Cup matches, netting goals from open play and set pieces while helping Argentina secure group-stage wins and progress toward the knockout rounds in the 2026 tournament.
Mohamed Salah has recovered from a hamstring strain and has taken part in light training ahead of Egypt’s World Cup round‑of‑32 match with Australia in Dallas. Coach Hossam Hassan has said Salah is fit to play but may not start, leaving Egypt to balance his influence with caution after he left the Iran game early and underwent scans and treatment.
Kylian Mbappé has extended his World Cup dominance, scoring twice as France overpowers Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. Olise and Barcola provide assists as France advances toward a potential clash with Paraguay; Deschamps contemplates legacy amid personal bereavement.
Switzerland has beaten Algeria 2-0 in a World Cup knockout match. Breel Embolo opened in the 10th minute after a Johan Manzambi run; Dan Ndoye doubled the lead within a minute of the second half after an Algerian clearance. Algeria pressed and made attacking changes but failed to score, ending their tournament while Switzerland advances to the last 16.
Nigeria is becoming central to a new model of counterterrorism. AFRICOM says security outcomes depend on intelligence sharing and coordinated action, with Nigeria at the heart of operations against ISIS and other groups. US forces have withdrawn most personnel, but partnerships continue through intelligence and joint actions.
Le Pen’s criticisms of France’s transforming national team echo a longer debate over race, belonging and the country’s evolving identity as it embraces a diverse football squad that has shone on the world stage.
France 24 reports that DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England tops Group L after a win over Panama; Belgium faces Senegal; US advances to the Round of 16 with favorable simulations.
Algeria’s parliamentary elections have proceeded with a government push for turnout while thousands of candidates were barred from running. Voter engagement remains low as public concerns like purchasing power and services overshadow electoral politics; the FLN-led majority faces a fragmented field as the vote unfolds.
Portugal has beaten Croatia 2-1 after Gonçalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time header to win the last-32 tie. Cristiano Ronaldo has converted a penalty — his first World Cup knockout goal — after Ivan Perišić had opened the scoring. Croatia thought they had equalised late, but VAR used ball-sensor "snicko" data to rule the goal out for offside.
Portugal defeats Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup clash, with Gonçalo Ramos' stoppage-time header sealing progress to the last 16 as VAR denies a late Croatian equaliser and Cristiano Ronaldo features in what could be his World Cup swan song.
Switzerland has defeated Algeria 2-0 to reach the World Cup knockout stage, with Johan Manzambi setting up Breel Embolo for the opener and Dan Ndoye adding a second early in the second half. Algeria pressed but could not convert chances as Switzerland controlled proceedings and will face Colombia or Ghana next.
South Africa has processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation after sustained anti‑migrant protests and door‑to‑door searches. Thousands have fled to temporary centres such as Musina and Lindela; Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and others have arranged buses and flights. Governments and NGOs are warning of overcrowding, poor conditions and rising diplomatic tensions.
OPEC+ has agreed to increase oil output by 188,000 barrels per day from August, marking the fifth straight monthly rise. While the move signals a cautious unwind of earlier cuts, oil supplies remain constrained by the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional tensions. Prices have edged back toward pre-war levels as shipping resumes.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has suspended the enforcement of Balogun’s red card for a year, allowing him to play in the USA’s last-16 match against Belgium. The decision follows controversy and questions over FIFA’s processes and Article 27 of the disciplinary code.
The Balogun red card has been reversed, allowing the US striker to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium after FIFA lifted the automatic one‑match suspension. Belgium had sought a review and urged FIFA to uphold the ban.
Balogun remains at the centre of the World Cup narrative as controversy over his red card and Trump’s intervention continues to unfold, with ongoing debates about birthright citizenship and American identity shaping coverage.
Egypt led 2-0 before a stoppage-time comeback by Argentina secures a 3-2 victory. Egypt alleges bias and calls for an investigation into referees and VAR decisions. The federation has filed complaints with FIFA amid claims of double standards and external influence.
Airspace has reopened between Mali and Algeria and ambassadors are to resume duties after a year-long diplomatic rift triggered by a drone incident. Mali says its airspace is open to all civilian and military flights; Algeria confirms the move as ties thaw in a volatile Sahel.
Senegal has dismissed head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and his technical staff following a World Cup last-32 exit. The federation says the move is in the best interests of Senegalese football after a disappointing campaign that saw the team go out to Belgium in the last 32 after leading 2-0. The decision follows prior reporting of changes in medical and coaching staff and comes amid controversy around Afcon 2025.
France and Morocco have strengthened their security, defence and energy cooperation during a high-level two-day visit, as both nations push for closer economic ties while facing fresh allegations that Morocco used Pegasus spyware against French officials.
Three years after the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, rights groups say the pact has intensified border controls and serious human rights violations, amid calls to suspend the agreement and reassess safeguards. Reports detail intercepted departures, abuses, and restricted asylum access, with EU funding tied to Tunisian authorities.
France and Morocco are expanding security, energy and investment cooperation amid Pegasus spyware allegations. Lecornu’s visit signals a renewed strategic partnership as Paris seeks stability in North Africa and Rabat presses economic and technological collaboration.
A fire at a childcare facility in Mohammedia, near Algiers, has killed several children and injured many others as authorities battle blazes amid a severe heat wave. President Tebboune has expressed condolences; intervention teams evacuated children with disabilities and treated burn injuries, with investigations underway into the cause.
Uganda is reviewing and tightening safety rules for school transport after a spate of deadly crashes linked to educational trips and daily learner transport. A cross-government committee will enforce vehicle inspections, driver qualifications and safer routes, with color-coding of school vehicles as an immediate step. Kenya’s 2025 school-transport rules are a benchmark.
Spain has reached the World Cup final after a 2-1 win over France, setting up a final against Argentina. Argentina has secured a dramatic comeback win over England, keeping alive their title defence. The Guardian notes Spain’s control and Porro’s impact, while SBS and The Independent highlight Messi’s form and the tension around the knockout stage.
A blaze at a Mohammadia orphanage in Algiers has killed 11 people and injured 19, including children. Investigations point to a continuous-running air conditioner as the likely ignition source amid a severe heatwave. Firefighting crews are still tackling active blazes across several provinces as authorities mobilise emergency services.
Muslims mark the Grand Mosque of Paris’s 100th anniversary as debates over Islam’s place in France intensify. Officials highlight interfaith dialogue and national unity, while concerns about rising anti-Muslim sentiment and the political climate ahead of next year’s election persist.
ECOWAS members have endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,800-km conduit linking 13 West African states with potential to export 30 bcm of gas annually. The project aims to diversify energy supplies, boost regional integration and support electricity generation, while weighing security and financing risks as construction eyes 2028 start.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
Opposition figures in Tunisia remain in deteriorating health under a heatwave in overcrowded prisons. Families report extreme conditions as authorities refuse information, while protests mark five years since the emergency rule crystallizing tensions between Saied’s government and opponents.
Since late July 2026, fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 200,000 people to flee across southwestern France and central Spain. Fires have scorched tens of thousands of hectares, pushed toward Bordeaux and areas west of Madrid, injured firefighters, prompted France to deploy soldiers and led Spain to declare a national emergency.
Protests across western Libya intensify as heatwaves push outages to new highs. Demonstrators demand accountability and the dissolution of fractured authorities after massive power cuts disrupt daily life and energy supplies.
Malawi shocks Nigeria to reach the WAFCON semis; Morocco and Algeria progress, sealing World Cup berths for four, with Malawi and Cameroon among the surprise packages. Quarterfinals clarified as teams chase final World Cup spots.
Migrant arrivals at Ceuta from Morocco have surged, with authorities reporting thousands crossing the Tarajal breakwater by sea and on foot. Spain vows an immediate response as the border comes under pressure, with discussions of deploying more police and possibly the army to restore order.
Thousands of migrants crossing from Morocco have overwhelmed Ceuta’s border, prompting security reinforcements. The surge follows a recent Supreme Court ruling and has drawn European and regional leaders to respond. At least 18-19 people have died as chaos unfolds near Tarajal beach, with families and children among those affected.
A sudden surge of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco has sparked a humanitarian crisis and a cross-border diplomatic rift. Spain is deploying forces and pursuing returns, while EU partners press for swift action and close cooperation with Morocco. Barcelona has cancelled a pre-season friendly amid the crisis.
Since Thursday, tens of thousands have crossed into Ceuta, triggering a cross-border crisis. Spain reports dozens of deaths and ongoing efforts to account for victims as migrants return to Morocco. The political fallout involves Spain, Morocco, and wider EU concerns about migration policy and regional stability.
A mass crossing at Ceuta’s border with Morocco has drawn intense EU scrutiny as tens of thousands sought entry last week. While most migrants have returned, Spain has installed a 500-meter floating barrier and vowed tighter border controls as EU governments call for a coordinated response.
Leaders across Europe have faced a sharp, unfolding disaster at the Ceuta border. A surge of migrants has overwhelmed coastal towns, intensifying tensions over migration policy. Spain is pushing back against criticism while calls grow for a coordinated EU response. The event unfolds today as officials assess humanitarian and strategic implications.
South Korea is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave. Yangsan records 42.5C, the hottest on record; Seoul and other cities face severe heat warnings. Authorities have activated new disaster measures, deploy cooling efforts, and warn residents to stay indoors and hydrate as power demand and health risks rise.
OPEC+ has decided to increase output by 188,000 barrels per day from September 2026, a move designed to stabilise markets and compensate for past overproduction. Nigeria remains under its DoC allocation and will not see changes to its targets as it seeks to raise crude output. The group will meet again on Sept. 6 to review conditions and consider further adjustments.
Migrant crossings at Ceuta, spurred by viral social-media posts, have drawn tens of thousands to the Spanish enclave. Reports indicate at least dozens died or were injured as crowds overwhelmed border controls; many have since returned, but the event exposes the role of online misinformation in mass migration flows.
A massive wildfire in southwest France has forced more than 220,000 people to evacuate in the Gironde region, with authorities expanding evacuations as flames threaten communities near Bordeaux. Across Europe, thousands have fled, and regional shelters are operating to support displaced residents.
Europol-led operations have arrested dozens in Spain and Ecuador in a drug-smuggling ring linked to Dubai investors. The crackdown targets a network moving South American cocaine and MDMA into Europe, with shipments hidden in commercial containers and bananas. The operation has involved dozens of raids and the seizure of vessels, cash, and weapons.
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and long‑time agent, has died in Rosario at 68 after a long illness. Clubs including Inter Miami, Newell’s Old Boys and Barcelona have held moments of silence and issued tributes. Lionel Messi has travelled home and missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match while teammates and fans paid tribute.
Tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July. Spanish and local officials have said roughly 70,000 returned but Ceuta’s leader estimates 3,000–11,000 remain, including hundreds of unaccompanied minors living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. The influx has provoked EU diplomatic rows and temporary border checks.