Mexico see off Ecuador to break 40-year World Cup curse By AFP July 01, 2026 07:16 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Mexico turned on the style at their iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, bru …
… In a supercharged atmosphere, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a thunderous strike and then turned provider for Raul Jimenez.Ecuador desperately needed to wrest back the momentum after the break but struggled to shift through the gear …
Audio By VocalizeMexico's defender #05 Johan Vasquez and Ecuador's midfielder #19 Gonzalo Plata fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Mexico and Ecuador at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 30, 2026. …
Audio By VocalizeEcuador's forward #11 Kevin Rodriguez and Mexico's defender #05 Johan Vasquez during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match at the Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026. …
… r, ideas grow,” Husain said. “This is a moment to celebrate Africa’s successes, but also to examine the gaps and identify opportunities for improvement.” She said the Foundation deliberately chose Africa as the latest destination for DialogueNEXT after previous editions in Mexico …
… A lot of women feel safer when it’s just women learning together,” Fouasso said.Padel, a racket sport invented in Mexico, has grown rapidly worldwide and is now played in more than 130 countries, according to the International Padel Federation. …
… The Nairobi gathering marks the third stop in the World Food Prize Foundation’s DialogueNEXT series after Mexico in 2024 and India in 2025, tracing the legacy of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Green Revolution pioneer Dr. …
… Co-hosts Mexico, meanwhile, bid to continue their journey in front of a fervent crowd at the Estadio Azteca when they take on Ecuador.The Swedish defence is bracing to face not only Kylian Mbappe, who has scored four times already in this tournament, but also Ballon d'Or winner O …
Global international financing for HIV in developing countries fell by 18 percent in 2025, the largest decline in decades, according to UNAIDS. The United States and European nations including France, Germany and the UK have dramatically slashed foreign aid contributions.
Global international financing for HIV in developing countries fell by 18 percent in 2025, the largest decline in decades, according to UNAIDS. The United States and European nations including France, Germany and the UK have dramatically slashed foreign aid contributions.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has responded to World Cup critics in an open letter, claiming they were "spreading hate and false rumours" and arguing the tournament delivered "only joy and happiness" despite controversies over ticket pricing and visa issues.
Juan Orlando Hernández, who was serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking, returned to Honduras on Sunday after receiving a pardon from President Donald Trump. He faces court proceedings in Honduras on August 3 to answer fraud and money-laundering charges related to allegations that he diverted $2 million in public funds.
Nearly 63 million Americans watched Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup final held in New Jersey, with Fox's English-language broadcast drawing 38.9 million viewers and Telemundo's Spanish-language coverage reaching 23.9 million, shattering the 22.3 million viewers who watched the 2022 final.
Four women and two men are running to become the next UN Secretary-General, with Rafael Grossi of Argentina (current head of the UN nuclear watchdog), Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal among the contenders. The Security Council's five permanent members—the US, Britain, China, France, and Russia—have veto power over the selection.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has acknowledged that a 64-team World Cup could be examined after the current 48-team tournament concludes. Expanding the tournament further would have significant logistical and financial implications, potentially reducing the commercial value of qualifying competition.
African football chief Patrice Motsepe praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino as a devoted steward of the game and friend of Africa, defending him against criticism over decisions including a suspension delay for a US striker and hydration breaks.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada has provided lessons for African football, with implications for East Africa ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
Spain replaced Argentina atop FIFA's world rankings after beating the finalists 1-0 in the World Cup final in New York. France finished third in the rankings after losing the third-place play-off to England 6-4 in the United States.
Spain became world champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final in New York on Sunday, reclaiming the top FIFA ranking they had surrendered in April. France finished third, beaten 6-4 by England in the third-place play-off, with England ranked fourth.
Spain won the 2026 World Cup and will receive $51 million in prize money. FIFA distributed a record $871 million to the 48 participating teams, with all teams receiving at least $12.5 million for competing.
The 48-team 2026 World Cup, held in the US, Canada and Mexico, set a stadium attendance record of 6.81 million spectators across 104 matches and broke previous TV viewership records "many, many times over," according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. FIFA projects record revenues exceeding seven billion euros for 2026, a 56 per cent increase from 2022.
Spain replaced Argentina at the top of the FIFA rankings released Monday after defeating them 1-0 in the World Cup final. France ranks third, England fourth, Brazil fifth, and Morocco sixth.
Rudi Garcia has stepped down as Belgium's head coach after the team lost to Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals. Garcia, who took over in January 2025, led Belgium to Nations League A qualification during his 18-month tenure.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged Spain were the better team after his side lost 1-0 in extra-time to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring for Spain at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
US President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino at the final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday. Trump previously drew controversy by calling FIFA to request a red card suspension for USA striker Folarin Balogun.
Thousands of football fans across Kenya joined millions worldwide in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in the United States, gathering in sports bars, public viewing centres, and entertainment spots across the country.
Argentina and Spain are making final preparations for Sunday's World Cup final in New Jersey, with Argentina seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, and Spain trying to win a second title after winning in 2010. The final will be attended by more than 80,000 spectators at MetLife Stadium, including US President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
When conflict-affected countries qualify for the World Cup, their participation becomes more than sport—a rare moment of national unity where citizens gather around one flag. DR Congo's return to the 2026 World Cup after 52 years exemplifies this, as the nation uses football as national therapy while managing ongoing conflict in its eastern provinces.
Lionel Messi's Argentina will meet England in a 2026 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium, with Spain advancing to the final after eliminating France. Argentina is seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
Harry Kane said England will not be distracted by the historical tensions and incidents surrounding their World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, which is set against a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.
King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia will attend Spain's World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday. Spain advanced to the final by defeating France 2-0 in the semi-final and will face the winner of Argentina or England.
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final on July 14, 2026, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal (penalty) and Pedro Porro, progressing to face either England or Argentina in the final.
England and Argentina will meet in a 2026 World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026, renewing their old rivalry as England bids to reach their first final in six decades while Messi's Argentina seeks to win back-to-back World Cups.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said his team will keep their cool ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, noting they have largely avoided flashpoints during the 2026 tournament.
England and Argentina will meet in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta after defeating Norway and Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Messi and Argentina seek to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962, while England pursue their first major trophy in 60 years.
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni said the team's upcoming World Cup semi-final against England is "just a football game" after Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals. Alexis Mac Allister scored early, Dan Ndoye equalized, and goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed the win in Kansas City.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said his team were "lucky" to advance past Norway 2-1 after extra-time to reach the World Cup semi-finals, with Jude Bellingham's two goals overturning Andreas Schjelderup's opener. Tuchel praised Bellingham as "world-class" but expressed dissatisfaction with England's overall performance, saying they "made life very, very difficult" for themselves.
President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya's Junior Starlets following their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup after defeating South Africa 3-1 in the second leg of the final qualifying round. Ruto pledged his full support as the team prepares for the global tournament in Morocco.
Jude Bellingham scored twice, including in extra-time, to help England overcome Norway 2-1 in their first World Cup quarter-final and reach the semi-finals. England will face Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday for a chance to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years.