The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens June 11 with African fans banned, a Somali referee turned away at the airport, Iran squeezed between war and a football pitch, and drug cartels at war in Mexican host cities. Canada is the only co-host without a crisis.
Players of African descent dominate the French national team, while 13 other teams have players with roots from Africa. The reality is wake-up call for Africa to nurture her talent and build a conducive environment for players to thrive.
French referee, 38-year-old Stéphanie Frappart, is the first woman to ever ref a Men's World Cup match, in an action-packed game where Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2, but was still eliminated at the group stage. Brazil's Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz Medina were Frappart's assistants, completing a historic all-women officiating team. FIFA could make more history in the year's tournament if Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga refs a game, which would make her the first African woman to achieve the honor.
Senegalese team carry the hope of Africa to the next stage in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Coach Aliou Cissè is confident his team has what it takes to win the global competition.
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