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The mind games behind the beautiful game
Explore the hidden psychological battles in elite football, where players test nerves, referees set limits, and technology interrupts the game's rhythm. Discover how mind games…
Football’s theatre of emotion, grievance and power
The World Cup delivered a full human theatre of football, from Cape Verde's exhilarating performances to generational shifts with Lamine Yamal's arrival and the possible…
The transatlantic rift and South Africa’s new matrix of economic diplomacy
Amidst a fractured global landscape and a deep transatlantic rift, South Africa is charting new pathways of autonomous engagement. By fostering a resilient partnership with the…
Teams advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: A historic moment for African football
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, has reached the thrilling Round of 16. This edition marks a historic milestone for African football,…
How Pakistan became the Gulf's most consequential diplomatic partner
Explore how Pakistan, through the strategic efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, transformed its global standing to become a crucial mediator in…
Bafana’s gritty draw reignites World Cup hopes
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in their second 2026 Fifa World Cup match. The result, marked by a late equaliser from star-player…
Odds on, Africa is showing up anyway
Despite significant challenges including visa bans and exorbitant prices for tickets and accommodation, African teams are making a powerful statement at the World Cup. This…