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Donald Trump, the podium photobomber
President Donald Trump's lingering presence at the World Cup trophy ceremony, where Spain defeated Argentina, highlights a political philosophy that blurs public authority with…
Spain won more than the World Cup
When the final whistle blew at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, relief came before celebration. The best team had won the 2026 Fifa World Cup. That…
The 2026 FIFA World Cup: Commercial spectacle over the soul of the game
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, was touted as a landmark expansion. However, it's now seen as a stark warning, with FIFA, under President Gianni…
The Mandela I knew
Witnessing a football match in Mexico, the author is overcome with emotion, recalling the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the profound sense of unity it fostered. This…
Ronaldo and Neymar: End of an era
As the 2026 Fifa World Cup dives into the quarter-final stage, the tournament has delivered drama, upsets, glaring controversies and unforgettable moments. Co-hosted by Canada,…
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…
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,…
Red cards and peace treaties
Drawing parallels between South Africa's World Cup red cards and US foreign policy, this article argues that America's approach to Iran has been self-defeating. It explores the…
Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup run: Pride, progress and the need for ambition
Bafana Bafana made history at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, reaching the knockout stages for the first time and exceeding expectations. This achievement, including qualification ahead…
Beyond upsets: Africa’s new football maturity
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic moment for African football, with a record 10 teams participating and 9 advancing to the Round of 32. This article explores how the…
Editorial: Thank you, Bafana Bafana
Thapelo Maseko's solitary goal against South Korea has etched his name in history, as Bafana Bafana qualify for the last 32 knockout stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the…
Bafana Bafana make history and advance to World Cup round of 32
Bafana Bafana have made history by advancing to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa secured their spot with a crucial win over Korea Republic, coupled…
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…
Bafana Bafana’s World Cup permutations: Time to fight and deliver
As South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, navigates the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, the permutations for advancement from Group A are razor-sharp and unforgiving.…