BY KUNLE SOLAJA,

France will look to continue their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they face Paraguay in a Round of 16 clash on Friday, but history suggests the South Americans should not be underestimated.

The two nations share a World Cup rivalry that dates back nearly seven decades, with their most memorable encounter producing one of the tournament’s greatest goal-fests.

In the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, France defeated Paraguay 7-3 in a group-stage thriller inspired by a hat-trick from legendary striker Just Fontaine. The match remains the highest-scoring World Cup game involving either nation and is still celebrated as one of the most entertaining contests in tournament history.

While much has changed since that remarkable encounter, France enter the match as favourites after cruising into the knockout rounds and dispatching Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32.

Led by a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the French have shown the attacking quality that has made them one of the strongest contenders for the title. Their victory over Sweden extended their impressive unbeaten run and reinforced their status among the tournament favourites.

Paraguay, however, have already demonstrated their ability to frustrate more fancied opponents. The South Americans stunned Germany in the Round of 32, prevailing in a penalty shootout after a hard-fought draw, a result that underlined their resilience and defensive organisation.

With confidence high after eliminating one of Europe’s traditional powers, Paraguay will believe they can spring another surprise against the 2018 world champions.

For France, the challenge will be to break down a disciplined Paraguayan side determined to extend its unexpected run. For Paraguay, the objective is simple: continue rewriting the script and reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

The winners will move one step closer to the World Cup trophy, but only one can keep their dream alive.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Senegal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has become embroiled in a growing controversy following a series of allegations involving misconduct, administrative lapses and poor management within the national team’s delegation during the tournament.

Reports published by Spanish sports daily AS and French newspaper L’Observateur have painted a troubling picture of events behind the scenes of the Lions of Teranga’s World Cup participation, which ended with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32.

The controversy intensified shortly after midfielder Pape Gueye announced his retirement from international football, with both publications reporting allegations ranging from unauthorised parties and extravagant spending to logistical failures and an alleged sexual harassment incident involving a member of the delegation.

According to AS, citing reports from African outlet Sport News Africa, the Senegalese team’s base allegedly became a venue for private gatherings involving members of the delegation while players were preparing for and competing in World Cup matches.

The publication reported that officials repeatedly invited friends and content creators to social events where bottles of alcohol, expensive gifts and lavish spending were reportedly commonplace. Hotel staff were also said to have complained on several occasions about excessive noise generated by members of the delegation.

The report further claimed that the conduct of some officials left players frustrated, with several allegedly having to fend for themselves during the tournament. Some players reportedly resorted to ordering fast food to the team hotel due to dissatisfaction with arrangements within the camp.

One of the most striking allegations concerns the contractual status of national team coach Pape Thiaw. According to AS, the coach did not have a valid contract in place until shortly before Senegal’s group-stage match against Norway. The newspaper reported that Thiaw was compelled to sign the agreement moments before travelling to the stadium, averting what could have become a major administrative embarrassment for the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).

Meanwhile, L’Observateur reported a separate incident that allegedly took place shortly after the Senegalese delegation arrived at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick hotel in New Jersey.

According to the newspaper, the team’s head chef was accused by a locally recruited hotel employee of sexual harassment. The woman reportedly alleged persistent inappropriate remarks, unwanted physical contact and what she described as a “promise of marriage.” The publication stated that she claimed to possess audio recordings supporting her allegations.

L’Observateur further reported that while the complainant was considering filing a report with U.S. authorities, the head chef was allegedly removed from the hotel in the middle of the night and returned to Senegal via Canada, leaving behind his personal belongings.

The newspaper claimed that the abrupt departure disrupted the team’s catering arrangements and logistics during the tournament.

At the time, however, the Senegalese Football Federation reportedly attributed the chef’s absence to visa-related issues and dismissed reports surrounding the matter as “pure manipulation.”

A federation official quoted by L’Observateur insisted that no formal complaint had been filed and described the matter as a private issue that did not affect the delegation’s operations because another chef had quickly assumed the role.

“We acted in Senegal’s best interest and protected the country’s interests. It is a private matter, but the Federation acted responsibly,” the official was quoted as saying.

The Ministry of Sports has also distanced itself from the controversy. Director General of Sports and head of delegation, Mama Laye Mbaye, told L’Observateur that the chef was not included on the ministry’s official list of delegation members.

“Upon my arrival, he was already no longer there,” Mbaye reportedly said, referring further inquiries to the football federation.

The allegations have generated widespread reaction across social media, with many Senegalese supporters expressing disappointment and demanding explanations from football authorities.

As of the time of the reports, neither the Senegalese Football Federation nor the Ministry of Sports had announced any formal investigation into the claims.

With Senegal’s World Cup campaign already over on the field, attention has now shifted to the mounting questions surrounding the management of the delegation. Should the allegations be substantiated, they could trigger calls for a comprehensive review of the federation’s administration and its handling of future international competitions.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Africa’s hopes of celebrating another giant-killing feat at the FIFA World Cup 2026 were dashed in dramatic fashion on Friday night as Cape Verde’s remarkable debut campaign ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina.

The tournament newcomers pushed the South American giants to the limit before an unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute finally settled a gripping Round of 32 encounter.

For long periods, Cape Verde looked capable of producing one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, twice fighting back against the reigning champions and forcing the contest into extra time.

Argentina appeared on course for a routine victory when captain Lionel Messi opened the scoring after latching onto a long pass from Lisandro Martinez and finishing with his customary composure.

But the resilient Blue Sharks refused to be intimidated by the world champions.

After frustrating Argentina for much of the second half, Cape Verde found a deserved equaliser in the 59th minute through Deroy Duarte, whose low strike sparked celebrations among the African side’s supporters and reignited dreams of a famous victory.

The goal transformed the contest and exposed Argentina to the kind of pressure they had rarely faced during the tournament.

With the score level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match moved into extra time, where Argentina once again edged ahead. Defender Lisandro Martinez rose from a corner to restore the South Americans’ lead early in the additional period.

Yet Cape Verde’s response was immediate and courageous.

In the 103rd minute, Sidny Cabral produced a moment of brilliance that will long be remembered in Cape Verdean football history. The defender curled a magnificent effort from the edge of the penalty area beyond the Argentine goalkeeper to make it 2-2 and send the African supporters into delirium.

At that stage, penalties appeared inevitable.

However, with nine minutes remaining, fortune deserted the African debutants.

Cristian Romero met a Lionel Messi corner with a powerful header, and the ball took a cruel deflection off Diney Borges before ending up in the net. The own goal proved decisive and shattered Cape Verde’s hopes of extending their fairy-tale adventure.

Despite a late push, Cape Verde could not find a third equaliser as Argentina held on to secure a place in the Round of 16.

While the result ended Cape Verde’s historic first World Cup appearance, the island nation leaves the tournament with enormous credit after surpassing expectations and becoming one of Africa’s biggest success stories of the competition.

Having reached the knockout stage on their World Cup debut and stretched the defending champions into extra time, Cape Verde demonstrated the growing strength and competitiveness of African football on the global stage.

Their brave performance against Argentina also encouraged fellow African survivors Egypt, who now carry the continent’s hopes into the Round of 16.

The Pharaohs, who defeated Australia on penalties earlier in the day, will now face Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday in a high-profile showdown that promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the tournament.

For Cape Verde, the journey ends in heartbreak. For Africa, the dream continues through Egypt, inspired in part by the courage and determination shown by the Blue Sharks against the world champions.

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