Ethiopia
Argentina’s extra‑time win against Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarter‑final sparked global headlines and sparked fresh optimism across African nations, including Ethiopia, as the continent eyes its own breakthrough on the world stage.
Messi’s 83rd‑minute equaliser and Argentina’s 3‑2 comeback win over Egypt sparked a wave of celebration across Ethiopia, where the Argentine star’s influence intertwines with the nation’s own football ambitions.
In a match hailed as the tournament’s best, Portugal edged Croatia 2‑1 at the 2026 World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the oldest knockout‑stage scorer while honoring a fallen teammate, and Luka Modrić’s emotional reaction underscoring a poignant end‑of‑era duel.
A 98th‑minute strike by Turkey stunned the United States, turning a routine group‑stage win into a sobering wake‑up call before the knockout round.
A tense 0‑0 draw in Los Angeles left Belgium’s World Cup hopes hanging on the final group match, after defender Nathan Ngoy’s straight red card and Iran’s resilient defence reshaped Group G dynamics.
A high‑profile friendly between Turkey and Paraguay in Istanbul offered more than a showcase of talent – it highlighted shifting ambitions, tactical experiments, and the broader stakes for both nations on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
