West Africa, a stable republic on the Atlantic
England’s coach has announced a squad amid questions over tactical direction following a World Cup where his cautious approach drew criticism. He is aiming to balance high-tempo, attacking instincts with moments of control as Nations League fixtures approach.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup by Spain in a semi-final that exposed tactical limits and compact Spain control. Mbappé’s late pressing plus Spain’s suffocating midfield defined the result; bronze medal match awaits in Miami.
Fuel shortages persist across Russia as Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt refineries and supply networks. Regions report rationing, long queues at petrol stations, and authorities are imposing export bans while exploring imports to stabilise domestic supply. Prices have risen as the crisis deepens.
Bank of America data show US host cities are seeing on-the-ground economic impact from the World Cup, with restaurants and bars leading spending gains and hotel revenues rising in several markets, though results vary by city and broader inflation weighs on sentiment.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to escalate with thousands affected as nations tighten travel and quarantine rules. Reports show Americans abroad face do-not-board restrictions and extended stays outside the country. Health officials warn that swift, coordinated action is essential to curb spread.
Arsenal has agreed a permanent transfer of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas, paving the way for the Belgium winger to depart after three-and-a-half years. He has played 174 times for Arsenal, scoring 36 goals, including a late winner at West Ham that helped keep the title bid alive. His final appearance for Arsenal was the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where he assisted Havertz before the shootout.
England suffers a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez overturning an early lead from Anthony Gordon. England will play the bronze match against France; Kane contemplates the next steps in his international career as the team shifts focus to Nations League.
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.
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.
Senegal has endorsed former president Macky Sall’s candidacy for United Nations secretary-general, marking a strategic reorientation ahead of the selection process. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has instructed his government to mobilise support, signalling a new coalition-building phase for Dakar. Critics say the move risks justice for victims of past protests.
UNHCR reports that 387 migrants were rescued from three Mauritania-disembarkations between July 14–18, with 143 dead or missing. A vessel carrying 160 from The Gambia ran out of fuel, drifting 25 days to Nouadhibou, where 38 survived and two children lost their families. Arrivals to the Canary Islands have fallen this year, while deaths at sea remain high.
The White House has hosted industry leaders to discuss a voluntary framework reviewing cybersecurity across the AI sector. OpenAI, Google and Anthropic are involved as the administration finalizes how frontier models will be evaluated under a forthcoming framework.
Federal SNAP reform has tightened eligibility and shifted costs to states, triggering a sharp drop in participation and putting pressure on food banks. Arizona records the largest decline, with state processes becoming more burdensome and delivery times longer as programs adjust. Projections warn of continued reductions without congressional action.
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.
Candidates for the UN secretary-general post have presented reform-minded visions amid a funding and credibility crisis. Straw polls begin late July with a January 2027 appointment target; Latin America is pushing for a regional rotation.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will hold the Morocco–Senegal AFCON final case hearing behind closed doors in Lausanne, with no verdict date yet. Senegal appealed Caf’s ruling that Morocco won 3-0 after Senegal walked off the pitch in Rabat following a late penalty. The outcome will not be announced on the hearing day.
The Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots party has been formed, formalising the break between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko. The move follows months of tensions over governance and debt, with Faye stressing ethics and transparency as he seeks to build a nationwide structure ahead of 2029 elections.
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.
The UN Security Council’s informal straw polls have begun to shape the field for secretary-general. Rebeca Grynspan leads on encouragement votes, with other candidates including Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, Michelle Bachelet, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and Olara Otunnu. The process remains flexible, with multiple rounds possible and no consensus yet.
Human Rights Watch reports a June 15 airstrike in Kyrnia, Mopti region, killed civilians and damaged a cattle market. Mali’s government faces calls for impartial investigation; Africa Corps and Russia-linked forces are under scrutiny amid ongoing conflict with JNIM and other groups.
Joint letter from 22 EU members urges rapid, coordinated action to secure borders as about 60,000 migrants reach Ceuta from Morocco; most have returned, but the border spike triggers a Schengen debate and political backlash.
FIFA has scrapped its plan to sell a minority stake in World Cup assets after broad, global backlash. UEFA and other confederations had threatened boycotts and demand reforms. The leadership faces renewed scrutiny as talks to rebuild trust begin.
Cameroon's 93-year-old leader has not returned from a prolonged overseas trip, triggering questions about governance, legitimacy and the country’s future leadership amid ongoing security and economic challenges.
European football bodies keep pressure on Gianni Infantino after the aborted FFE plan. UEFA has lost confidence and a broad boycott threat remains in motion; multiple confederations express opposition or support as the 2027 election nears.
A continental push to industrialise the textile and manufacturing sectors is accelerated by investment in long-term funding, high-value processing, and regional value chains. Across Africa, governments and investors are turning cotton, textiles, and infrastructure into job-creating industries to retain value at home.
A total solar eclipse has crossed parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from the UK since 1999. Scientists have used airborne and balloon experiments to study the Sun's corona and the event has drawn large crowds despite patchy clouds and local viewing limits.
The solar eclipse has triggered a surge in travel demand across Europe as destinations within the path of totality experience record room rates and bookings. Reykjavik, A Coruño, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela report sharp price increases, while authorities warn of heat and fire risks and a spike in road traffic. NASA and local observatories will live-stream the event to millions.
Manchester United has completed the €35 million signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa after triggering his release clause, marking a key transfer in the club’s summer business. In his first extended media session, Tielemans notes a developing partnership with Bruno Fernandes and stresses his aim to contribute goals.
Malaga has equalised late to force a 2-2 draw with Fulham in a pre-season friendly. A stoppage-time spot-kick by Eneko Jauregi appeared to seal penalties, but disputes over a shootout led to both teams leaving the pitch under unclear terms. Fulham later contested the decision as a shootout was reportedly not in the contract.
PSG has boosted its squad with Ferran Torres and others as heat forces the Ligue 1 opener to move to Rennes. Strasbourg records a significant sale to Milan, with Moreira signing a five-year deal as part of a broader financial shake-up.
The International Criminal Court has faced intensified pressure as the United States expands sanctions against ICC officials and staff. Tomoko Akane, ICC President from Japan, says she will not bow to pressure, urging Japan to rally ICC partners while Washington signals possible further measures. The EU and allies defend ICC independence as Japan seeks to balance alliance dynamics.
Paris Saint‑Germain has moved its Ligue 1 opener against Rennes to Roazhon Park after declaring the Parc des Princes pitch unsafe following a scorching summer. The club has also completed major summer sales — including Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye in high‑value deals — and has generated roughly €400m from departures while recruiting selectively.
The UN Security Council has conducted a straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Rodrigues-Birkett leading the field, followed by Grynspan and Grossi. Several other contenders remain, and a formal vote in the General Assembly will determine the outcome. The process involves nine votes in the Council and potential vetoes by the five permanent members.
A Fisherman’s Blues Revue brings together Mike Scott and guests like Steve Earle, reviving the Waterboys’ rootsy legacy. The show is expansive and energetic, though some moments strain in a venue that overreaches the material.
Cameroon's sovereign credit profile faces renewed pressure as regional liquidity tightens and financing needs rise. Moody's has downgraded institutional strength and governance, while liquidity risk and higher debt burden constrain policy options. Growth is modest, but deficits and subsidy costs complicate financing.
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.
The latest deportation flights have carried Afghans, Iranians and others to the Central African Republic as part of a broader U.S. crackdown on asylum seekers. Returnees face risks and uncertain futures amid ongoing legal and diplomatic efforts.
The Seoul Central District Court has found Han Hak-ja, 83, guilty of illegal political donations and bribery related to efforts to influence South Korea's political scene. The court has handed two-year sentences across involved parties, and related cases of Kim Keon Hee are noted with earlier and subsequent penalties.
Mutineers at Base 101 in Niamey have been neutralized with Russian Africa Corps ground and air support. The junta maintains control as investigations begin. Analysts warn of ongoing security risks and greater Moscow influence in the Sahel.
Liverpool has paid a record transfer fee for Barcola, a France international who has helped PSG win back-to-back Champions League titles. The move signals a shift in the market as Liverpool builds a high-priced attack around Isak and Wirtz, while PSG posts a hefty profit from Barcola’s sale.
City have secured Iliman Ndiaye on a five-year deal for £60m plus £5m in add-ons. The transfer caps City’s spending on the day after Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez move, while Everton and Tottenham see potential exits and other big deals stall.
The Ukraine international has resolved his doping case with the FA and has not played since November 2024. Tottenham are pursuing a move with a potential permanent option, while Chelsea’s interest cooled as Spurs emerged as the frontrunner in late August. Mudryk’s return follows a ruling that allows immediate competition pending CAS appeal outcomes.
Gambia has faced prolonged power cuts since June, triggering street protests in Banjul and major towns. President Barrow has promised new generation capacity and solar power to restore the grid by end-October, while urging calm amid outages that have intensified during the hot season.
The International Criminal Court is confronting intensified pushback from the United States as multiple states weigh or enact withdrawals from the Rome Statute. ICC officials, led by interim prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, say sanctions are complicating operations but the court will pursue accountability with technical safeguards.
The flame for the Youth Olympic Games has left Athens and begun a 3,600-kilometre tour of Senegal. Dignitaries and a crowd in Dakar welcomed the flame, carried by women known as lingeer, as the IOC leader calls the ceremony a proud moment for Africa.
The United States has continued third‑country deportations, sending dozens of asylum seekers to Equatorial Guinea under opaque deals. Rights groups accuse authorities of retaliation and abuse, while lawyers say the transfers are part of a broader immigration crackdown.