Meite Siaka, a senior tax official and deputy mayor in Ivory Coast, is also the founding president of the Ivorian Federation of Chinese Martial Arts (FIAMC). He attributes the sport's popularity to Bruce Lee films and local television, resonating with working-class youth.
Ivory Coast's economic hub, Abidjan, witnesses growing Chinese infrastructure presence, including the Alassane Ouattara Bridge, as the country diversifies partners beyond French dominance.
Ivory Coast's rainy season has caused deadly floods, killing 59 people by mid-May. Authorities fear the toll could rise as searches continue in flood-affected areas, particularly in Abidjan where informal settlements are vulnerable.
Norway's Erling Haaland celebrated his team's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 qualification with a series of social media posts, including cowboy-themed and Viking-themed pictures. He also marked scoring his 60th international goal.
Erling Haaland scored an 86th-minute winner to send Norway into the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast at Dallas Stadium. Amad Diallo had equalized for Ivory Coast after Antonio Nusa's opener, but Haaland's fifth goal of the tournament sealed Norway's progression.
France's potent forward line, featuring Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, is set to challenge Sweden in a World Cup last-32 match. Norway's Erling Haaland and co-hosts Mexico also feature in key fixtures.
Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in a World Cup Round of 32 match held in Arlington, Texas. Goals from Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland propelled Norway to a Round of 16 clash against Brazil. Haaland has now scored five goals in the tournament.
Yan Diomande prefers joining Paris St-Germain over Liverpool, who had a £69m bid rejected. PSG aims to agree a deal with RB Leipzig for the 19-year-old winger, who Leipzig values at £129m.
The article previews the Round of 32 fixtures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting Brazil, Spain, Norway, France, Portugal and Argentina as favourites and naming their upcoming opponents.
28 national teams have secured their place in the Round of 32 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The playoffs will feature 16 matchups, with 9 already determined, including Germany vs. Paraguay and France vs. Sweden. This marks the first World Cup with 48 teams.
Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae expressed sadness and disappointment over former German player Bastian Schweinsteiger's "African football" comments, which Fae called potentially racist, after his team qualified for their first World Cup knockout phase with a 2-0 win over Curacao.
Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae called former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger's comments about his team's "wild" and "African football" style "sad" and potentially racist. Fae expressed disappointment in Schweinsteiger, suggesting biases influenced his remarks.
Nicolas Pepe scored two goals, leading Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over Curacao in the Group E finale, securing their first-ever trip to the World Cup knockout phase. The Ivorians finished second with six points, eliminating debutants Curacao from contention.
Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey, with Gonzalo Plata scoring the winner to send the South American nation through to the World Cup last 32. Germany's Leroy Sane had opened the scoring controversially, but Nilson Angulo equalized before Plata's late goal secured Ecuador's advancement.
Former footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger faces accusations of using racist stereotypes by describing Ivory Coast's play as "African football," characterized as "unorthodox" and "wild." Critics argue these terms echo colonial tropes, reducing Black players to physical attributes. While some defend Schweinsteiger, experts highlight the problematic nature of such language in sports commentary.
Germany's World Cup campaign faces a major blow as defender Nico Schlotterbeck is out for the rest of the tournament due to a serious ankle injury sustained during their win against Ivory Coast. The Borussia Dortmund player's absence forces coach Julian Nagelsmann to adjust defensive plans for the knockout stage.
Netherlands secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scoring twice. Germany narrowly defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to a late goal. Japan also secured a 4-0 win against Tunisia.
Germany secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a late winner from Deniz Undav in Toronto. The Netherlands also advanced, defeating Sweden.
Deniz Undav scored two late goals to give Germany a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in their World Cup Group E match, securing their place in the knockout stage for the first time since 2014. Germany tops the group with six points.
Germany secured a spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage by defeating Ivory Coast 2-1. Deniz Undav scored both goals for Germany, advancing them for the first time since 2014.
Deniz Undav's injury-time goal secured Germany a comeback 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto, advancing them to the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2014. Franck Kessie had opened the scoring for Ivory Coast.
Deniz Undav's injury-time goal secured a comeback win for Germany against Ivory Coast in Toronto, advancing them to the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2014. Franck Kessie had opened the scoring for Ivory Coast.
Germany and Ivory Coast face off in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Toronto. Both teams aim for early qualification, with Germany seeking a historic win and Ivory Coast confident after previous victories.
Ivory Coast takes a 1-0 lead against Germany at halftime in a thrilling World Cup match. Captain Franck Kessié scored the decisive goal, while Germany had two goals disallowed. The match has been evenly contested with both teams showing strong attacking intent.
