West African republic, stable democracy with a rising economy.
The Ghana Football Association has terminated the contract with veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz by mutual consent, ending a turbulent five-month spell after his reappointment in September. Ghana faced defeats in AFCON qualifying, including a 4-2 loss to Gambia, and the team sits at the bottom of Group C.
Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers begin with high-profile clashes as Renard returns to Ivory Coast, Queiroz leads Ghana, and co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania prepare for a long campaign across 2026-27. Nigeria, Senegal and Madagascar also feature in the early rounds while hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania chase a 2027 final in East Africa.
France has sealed top spot in Group I after a 4-1 win over Norway, with Ousmane Dembélé’s hat-trick and Mbappé’s goals highlighting a potent attack. Deschamps has returned to France for family reasons, and Norway rested most starters as they fight to reach the knockout stage.
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.
The Defence Investment Plan has been refreshed to prioritise frontline equipment, drones and autonomous tech. Dan Jarvis has secured additional funding, while resignations over funding highlighted political tensions. The plan aims to modernise the UK’s armed forces and deter evolving threats, with a focus on the High North and underwater infrastructure.
Torrential rains have submerged buildings and roads in Accra and Abidjan, with at least 12-13 deaths confirmed and rescue efforts ongoing. Authorities warn the toll could rise as the heavy rainfall continues, threatens infrastructure, and triggers drainage and power outages. Governments vow relief and desilting work while urging residents to relocate from high-risk areas.
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed talks are underway to become Germany’s next national team coach. His role with Red Bull complicates the process, but the federation has signaled willingness to move forward. Nagelsmann has resigned after Germany’s World Cup exit, and Klopp says he is ready for intensive talks.
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.
Fifteen Indian tourists have died after a speedboat overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai island off Phu Quoc. The boat carried 32 Indians and four Vietnamese crew. The captain is under investigation for safety violations. Survivors have been hospitalised; 16 have been discharged and one remains in critical care. A flight carrying remains to Mumbai is scheduled for today, with home states coordinating onward travel.
Norway has celebrated its World Cup run with a royal reception in Oslo after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to England. More than 100,000 fans line Karl Johans gate to welcome the team home, as players take part in an open-top bus parade despite minor delays from overhead cables.
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.
Arsenal confirm William Saliba has a back injury from World Cup duties and will undergo a rehabilitation programme. Surgery is not required; the club plans to strengthen the centre-back position this summer while preparing for the season opener against Coventry.
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.
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
Real Madrid has secured Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for well over €100m, making the Ivory Coast winger the club's latest record signing and the most expensive African player. The move follows PSG’s withdrawal from the race and comes after Leipzig rejected initial bids before agreeing to the transfer.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has published an open Instagram letter arguing the World Cup was a global success marked by safety, joy and unity, amid ongoing criticism over visas, officiating and controversies that surrounded the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has published a long open letter defending the organisation's management of the 2026 World Cup. He says critics have spread hate and false rumors while millions experienced joy and safety across the tournament, which faced visa, ticketing and disciplinary controversies.
At AIDS 2026 in Rio, a State Department slide showing Africa mislabels countries, carrying an AI watermark. Reuters and others report the error, with the State Department taking responsibility. The issue comes as donor funding for global HIV programs has fallen, prompting questions about sustained commitments and effective aid delivery.
Amanda Knox’s Edinburgh Fringe show Cartwheel has drawn renewed attention and protest after Stephanie Kercher criticised it as normalising violence against women. Knox defends the piece as a personal, motherhood-focused account of surviving wrongful imprisonment. Fringe organisers emphasise freedom of expression, while petitions call for cancellation.
Real Madrid have completed a €125m upfront fee plus €15m in add-ons to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the club’s sixth summer arrival under Jose Mourinho. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger starred at the World Cup and becomes Madrid’s answer to long-term talent priorities.
A collection of new interviews and analyses shows Europe grappling with scaling tech firms, AI investment, and strategic sovereignty as industry pressure builds and the continent seeks to turn ideas into global companies.
Kroger has been consolidating its store footprint, closing around 60 underperforming locations over 18 months as part of a broader restructuring. The company is accelerating moves after acquiring Giant Eagle, with some stores shifting to Kroger Marketplace formats and others staying market-adjusted.
South Africa is experiencing intensified xenophobic protests and a large-scale migrant repatriation, with political and diplomatic tensions rising as regional governance faces scrutiny. The protests, repatriations, and international responses are shaping the country’s stability amid upcoming local elections.
Voters in Guinea‑Bissau have approved a new constitution that shifts the country from a semi‑presidential to a stronger presidential system, with provisional results showing about 70% support and turnout near 55–60%. The charter gives the president power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries and dissolve parliament ahead of December elections.
Uber has winded down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda after a thorough review, effective September 2, 2026. The move comes as part of a global restructuring that includes cutting about 3,300 jobs. The company remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa but is refocusing investments on growth, automation and markets with stronger opportunities.
Carlos Queiroz has been re-appointed head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, returning to lead the team for the next phase of its programme. He takes charge after a period of upheaval, aiming to guide Ghana into Afcon qualification and beyond.
A weekend of dramatic results has reshaped the early-season landscape. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool all feature in standout performances as results ripple through the table ahead of the international break.
Beard and Gibson face charges of conspiring to make corrupt payments to government and state-owned oil officials in Nigeria, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. The six former Glencore traders deny the allegations as their trial approaches. The case follows a 2024 verdict against Javier Aguilar for corruption at a major trading house.
The Malian army faces a major assault by JNIM at the Dioura base on Sept. 10, with hundreds of militants and civilian concerns. In response, Mali’s military leadership proclaims operational pressure while authorities note casualties and the strategic impact on security in the region.
The US State Department has approved visas for a scaled-down Iranian delegation, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. Washington has placed travel curbs and bans on luxury purchases for the delegation while denying visas to Palestinian Authority leaders, prompting a separate General Assembly vote allowing Mahmoud Abbas to speak virtually.
Pope Leo XIV has opened a four-day visit to France, delivering speeches at the Élysée and UNESCO warning that artificial intelligence risks dehumanising society and amplifying misinformation. He has reiterated the Church’s pro‑life teaching, led large public events in Paris, and privately met seven survivors of clerical sexual abuse in Lourdes while bishops face pressure to deliver concrete reforms.
Burkina Faso has inaugurated Raffinor-BF, a gold refinery in Ouagadougou, with 164 tonnes annual capacity to process dore into 99.9% purity gold. The government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, aims to cut reliance on foreign processing and turn mining into a full domestic value chain, though regulatory and security challenges persist amid Islamist violence.