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Botswana and Lesotho have upgraded their cooperation framework to a Bi-National Commission, marking a new phase in bilateral relations. The inaugural session, held in Gaborone, focused on economic cooperation, water security, and regional integration, with leaders highlighting projects like the LESABO water transfer and renewable energy potential.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party and main opposition People Power Party have agreed to launch a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission over ballot shortages that disrupted voting during the June 3 local elections. The National Assembly approved the probe on June 18, with an 18-member special committee chaired by the opposition.
Merlin, a two-year-old duck from Mexico City who became an internet sensation for wearing a Mexico jersey while accompanying his owner, was barred from entering the stadium for El Tri's match against Czechia due to FIFA regulations. Despite the setback, his owner believes he brings luck to the national team.
The US and Iran have announced a preliminary agreement to end their war, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing global oil supply disruptions. Experts caution that energy markets may take months to normalize, while African economies could see significant benefits from lower oil prices and reduced freight costs.
Lionel Messi is set to make history as the first player to feature in six World Cups, leading defending champions Argentina in their bid to retain the title. The team opens against Algeria, with coach Lionel Scaloni downplaying favourites tag while praising his captain's enduring form.
Substitute Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The win, their first at a World Cup since 2014, ended Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten streak and marked Africa's first victory at the tournament.
South Africa has repatriated 2,745 foreigners in the week following President Cyril Ramaphosa's pledge of tougher action against illegal immigration. The repatriation effort, primarily involving Malawian nationals, comes amid anti-immigrant unrest, with thousands more awaiting processing.
Iran's football team landed in Los Angeles for their World Cup opener against New Zealand, marking the first time a host nation receives a country it is at war with. The arrival coincided with the announcement of a US-Iran peace deal, while protests and security measures highlighted the charged atmosphere.
An investigation by Lighthouse Reports and RFI examines how VFS Global, a visa outsourcing giant, has turned Africa's visa application process into a growing business, with profits surging despite modest volume growth. The story highlights aggressive sales tactics, a thriving market for unofficial visa 'fixers,' and the dilemmas facing African applicants.
A petition published by The Lancet, backed by health advocacy groups, calls for suspending the Israeli Medical Association from the World Medical Association over its alleged silence on Gaza. The WMA, which counts the IMA as a founding member, opposes such exclusion based on government actions. The IMA dismisses the petition as politicized and has prepared a counter-petition.
Germany began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao, with Felix Nmecha scoring first and Livano Comenencia equalizing for the Caribbean side. Manuel Neuer, at 40, became the oldest German player to appear in a World Cup, and the match was played in Houston.
South Africa commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto student uprising, with President Cyril Ramaphosa paying tribute to the students killed and urging citizens not to blame migrants for the country's challenges. The event also highlighted ongoing social issues and the legacy of the uprising as seen through the eyes of survivors like Seth Mazibuko.
At the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African fans on social media openly supported Mexico over South Africa, citing reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa. The match highlighted deeper continental divisions, with leaders and analysts pointing to economic pressures and unemployment as underlying factors.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup began with Mexico facing South Africa in front of 80,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca. Reports also cover Africa's record representation and a repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa, alongside other opening matches including South Korea's comeback.
South Africa fell 2-0 to Mexico in their 2026 World Cup opener, drawing harsh criticism from fans in Johannesburg who questioned coach Hugo Broos's tactics and team selection. Broos defended his approach and told critics to 'shut up,' while insisting the team can still achieve something in the tournament ahead of their crucial second match against Czechia.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened in Mexico City, protesters clashed with police near the Azteca Stadium, while teachers' unions and other groups used the global spotlight to press demands on issues from pay to disappearances. Authorities, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, pledged a peaceful tournament amid extensive security preparations in host cities.
Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup, has been appointed by UEFA to referee the Super Cup in August. Despite being barred after an 11-hour interrogation, FIFA will pay his full salary. The case has sparked international solidarity and criticism of US immigration policy.
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. South Africa finished with nine men after two red cards, while Mexico also had a player sent off late. The match drew a capacity crowd of 80,824 and featured performances by Shakira and Burna Boy.
South Korea captain Son Heung-min will make his fourth World Cup appearance, tying the national record, as the Taegeuk Warriors open their Group A campaign against Czechia. Son, who is also one goal away from becoming South Korea's all-time top World Cup scorer, expressed his team's readiness and determination ahead of the match.
Mexico began the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. Julian Quinones scored the tournament's opening goal on nine minutes, with Raul Jimenez adding a second in the 67th minute. South Africa finished with nine men after two red cards.