Monthly Archives: June 2026

25, June 2026

Who is the African World Cup goalscorer older than Ronaldo and Messi? ⁰

Cristiano Ronaldo may have scored at a record sixth Fifa World Cup, but there is one piece of history which still eludes both him and Lionel Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday.

When Ronaldo broke the deadlock against Uzbekistan in Portugal’s second group match he became the second-oldest scorer in the history of the tournament, finding the back of the net at the ripe old age of 41 years and 138 days.

But the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man still sits behind Cameroon great Roger Milla on the all-time list.

Milla first featured at the 1982 finals in Spain but found global fame aged 38 with four goals as the Indomitable Lions reached the quarter-finals at Italia 90 – the first African team to make it that far – marking his efforts with a dance by the corner flag which became his trademark.

Four years later, Milla was back on the scoresheet at USA 94, slotting in from eight yards against Russia. The corner flag wiggle was back again, but Cameroon lost the game 6-1 and went out at the group stage.

However, Ronaldo will no doubt take some pride in the fact he bumped Messi down from third to fourth on the list after the Argentina forward had netted aged 38 years and 363 days in his side’s win over Austria.

Messi could also be overtaken by Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko or Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, both 40, should either bag a goal.

Japan centre-back Yuto Nagamoto is also nine months older than the Argentine legend but is yet to make an appearance.

Or could a veteran goalkeeper turn themselves into an unlikely hero? Six are older than Messi, including Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Cape Verde’s Vozinha and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera – but no keeper has ever scored in 22 editions of the World Cup stretching back to 1930.

Austria’s Marko Arnautovic, 37, has entered the top 10 at this tournament thanks to his late penalty in the win over Jordan.

But Milla’s record looks set to stand for some time unless, that is, Ronaldo or Messi fancy the idea of playing on home soil when the 2030 World Cup hosts games in both Portugal and Argentina.

You wouldn’t rule it out, right?

The World Cup’s top 10 oldest goalscorers

Roger Milla runs as he celebrates scoring against Russia at the 1994 World Cup by spreading his arms out wide with a wide grin on his face. Milla wears a green Cameroon shirt with a red collar and a bold number nine on the chest, with red shorts. Out of focus in the background a referee in a yellow shirt and black shorts and a Russia player in a white shirt and blue shorts can be seen in front of a crowd — Image caption,Roger Milla played for Cameroon between 1973 and 1994

1. Roger Milla – Cameroon vs Russia (28 June 1994) – 42 years, 39 days

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal vs Uzbekistan (23 June 2026) – 41 years, 138 days

3. Pepe – Portugal vs Switzerland (6 December 2022) – 39 years, 283 days

4. Lionel Messi – Argentina vs Austria (22 June 2026) – 38 years, 363 days

5. Gunnar Gren – Sweden v Germany (24 June 1958) – 37 years, 236 days

6. Cuauhtemoc Blanco – Mexico v France (17 June 2010) – 37 years, 151 days

7. Felipe Baloy – Panama vs England (24 June 2018) – 37 years, 120 days

8. Marko Arnautovic – Austria v Jordan (17 June 2026) – 37 years, 58 days

9. Obdulio Varela – Uruguay vs England (26 June 1954) – 36 years, 279 days

10. Martin Palermo – Argentina vs Greece (22 June 2010) – 36 years, 227 days

Culled from the BBC

25, June 2026

Biya regime test new approach to keep urban roads in better condition ⁰

Cameroon is looking to change how it maintains urban roads and drainage systems, shifting from a system focused on construction work to one centered on long-term performance.

The Sustainable Cities and Land Management Project (PVGFD), with support from the World Bank, is preparing to introduce a new generation of road maintenance contracts known as Results-Based Road Contracts (MROR). On June 17, public works companies, engineering firms, local governments, and urban development stakeholders gathered in Yaoundé for a workshop dedicated to the new model. More than 100 participants attended the event, both in person and online.

The approach represents a significant departure from traditional public works contracts. Under the current system, companies are paid primarily for carrying out specific works. Under the proposed model, a larger share of compensation depends on the condition of the infrastructure over time and the quality of service delivered to users. “Unlike traditional contracts, MRORs focus on results and the long-term quality of infrastructure for the benefit of citizens. Expected benefits include better-maintained roads, more effective drainage systems, smoother mobility, and more efficient use of public resources,” the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said.

A Focus on Long-Term Performance

The goal is no longer simply to repair a road or clear a drainage channel. Contractors would be responsible for keeping infrastructure in good working condition throughout the life of the contract. As part of pilot projects planned for Douala and Yaoundé, selected companies could be required to meet specific performance standards. Failure to maintain those standards could result in financial penalties.

Several countries already use similar contracts to improve road maintenance and reduce the cost of recurring repairs. The model also encourages contractors to adopt durable technical solutions rather than relying on repeated short-term fixes. The initiative comes at a time when urban infrastructure is under growing pressure. Rapid urban growth, heavier traffic, and intense rainfall continue to strain roads and drainage networks in both Douala and Yaoundé.

The effects are visible across both cities: roads deteriorate quickly, flooding remains common in some neighborhoods, traffic congestion worsens, and transportation costs increase for residents and businesses.

Improving Returns on Public Spending

For many residents, the issue is not simply building new infrastructure but ensuring that existing infrastructure remains functional. Several urban roads rehabilitated in recent years showed signs of deterioration shortly after completion, raising questions about the effectiveness of current maintenance practices. Authorities also see an economic benefit in the new approach. By linking payments to measurable performance, they hope to generate better returns from public spending on urban infrastructure.

The challenge is particularly important given the scale of infrastructure needs and the limits of available public resources. For local governments, every franc spent on maintenance must produce visible and lasting results. The pilot projects in Douala and Yaoundé will serve as a real-world test. If successful, the model could be expanded to other cities across the country.

Its success, however, will depend on several factors, including clear contract specifications, reliable performance indicators, effective monitoring by local authorities, and enforceable penalties when contractors fail to meet their obligations.

Without those safeguards, the shift toward results-based maintenance could remain more of a policy objective than a meaningful change in how urban infrastructure is managed.

Source: Business in Cameroon

25, June 2026

Yaoundé: 13 arrested over alleged human trafficking network ⁰

Cameroonian authorities have arrested 13 suspects accused of operating a human trafficking network, the National Gendarmerie announced on Monday.

Fiacre Kisito Atangana, deputy director of central coordination at the National Gendarmerie, said investigations were launched in early 2026 following a surge in complaints related to suspected trafficking activities.

The investigation led security forces to dismantle a criminal network that allegedly recruited victims through online advertisements disguised as employment and business opportunities, Atangana told reporters in the capital, Yaoundé.

According to the official, the network primarily targeted students, unemployed young people and individuals seeking opportunities abroad.

Investigators have identified hundreds of victims, with more than 6,000 people found to have registered through the scheme across several cities in Cameroon, he said.

Atangana added that the suspected ringleaders are based in Malaysia but maintain operational links across Central and West Africa.

Warning that human trafficking cases are on the rise, Atangana urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security authorities.

Source: Xinhuanet

24, June 2026

World Cup: England held by Ghana in goalless Group L stalemate ⁰

England suffered a World Cup setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work still to do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.

Nico O’Reilly came closest to scoring with a late header that hit the bar, but after the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a performance that will raise doubts about their chances of going all the way and winning the tournament.

They dominated possession and had 19 shots to their opponents’ two, yet rarely looked like scoring past Ghana’s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 fans at Gillette Stadium near Boston.

Both teams have four points with one game still to play in Group L, with progression to the next round all but assured but their final positions still in the balance.

In damp, cool conditions, England delivered a stodgy performance that echoed some of their faltering displays during Euro 2024.

However, there are no dramatic consequences, as England take a step closer to the last 32. All they need to do now is safely negotiate their final group fixture against Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and they will be able to turn their attention to the knockout rounds.

England have still never lost to African opposition at the World Cup, and that record was rarely at risk of ending here.

Ghana nevertheless battled brilliantly, as the nation ranked 73rd in the world – 69 places behind England – put up a determined defensive display.

Partey plays, Kane quiet

The late decision by the Black Stars to appoint Carlos Queiroz as coach is looking increasingly justified, with this result following their opening 1-0 win over Panama. The 2010 quarter-finalists face Croatia next in Philadelphia.

Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama match in Toronto because Canadian authorities denied him a visa – the former Arsenal midfielder is facing trial on rape charges in the UK.

Asare of local side Hearts of Oak started in goal for the Ghanaians after coming on for the injured Lawrence Ati Zigi against Panama.

England’s inability to regularly test him will be a source of concern, as Harry Kane was kept quiet and failed to add to his 10 World Cup goals – he remains level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.

Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon were unable to make the difference on the wings and their substitutes could not, this time, have a decisive impact.

Jude Bellingham won his 50th cap as Marc Guehi and Djed Spence replaced John Stones and O’Reilly in defence.

A Declan Rice free-kick that sailed just over was about as close as England came in the opening half. In fact, it took almost an hour for Asare to make a notable save, but it was a comfortable one to deny Gordon.

Ghana may feel Jordan Pickford should have been punished for charging out of his box and crashing into Prince Adu without touching the ball – but instead the goalkeeper was awarded a free-kick.

There was also panic for England when substitute Adu ran through into the area but could not get a shot away.

Then the pressure was turned up a notch in the closing minutes, as Asare denied Bukayo Saka with a good stop low to his left before O’Reilly headed against the woodwork from close range and Kane blazed over.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

24, June 2026

Cameroon, PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd sign MoU for construction of Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road ⁰

Cameroon has taken a step toward the construction of the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road with the signing of an agreement with British firm PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd, which will now prepare financing proposals for the project.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Yaounde on June 19 by Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi and representatives of the British firm. The corridor cuts through the South-West Region and is considered strategic for trade, mobility and economic activity along Cameroon’s Atlantic coast.

The agreement establishes a framework for the next phase of project development, including site visits, technical assessments and the preparation of financial proposals required before construction can begin. Authorities say the move is intended to accelerate implementation of a project regarded as a key component of the region’s economic development plans.

According to the Ministry of Public Works, the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road has been identified as the priority project among three major road corridors discussed with PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd. The other routes are Loum-Tombel-Kumba-Mundemba and Mutengene-Buea. Officials said Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau was selected first because technical studies have already been completed, allowing preparations to advance more quickly toward financing and execution.

The project is expected to improve connectivity between major economic centres in the South-West Region, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and strengthen access to commercial and industrial zones. The agreement marks an important step in moving the project from the planning stage toward investment mobilisation and eventual construction. Authorities believe the road will play a significant role in supporting economic activity along Cameroon’s Atlantic coast.

Djoumessi said the MoU was intended to translate a shared commitment into concrete action. He noted that the parties had identified three strategic roads in the South-West Region, with the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau corridor designated as the priority project.

“Based on this Memorandum of Understanding, PROPAV, which is based in London and has financial backing, will propose financing conditions for the project and we will move forward. Together, we will discuss a timetable so that work can begin very quickly and ensure that the signing of an MoU does not remain only a document,” he said.

The agreement also enables PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd to submit technical and financial offers aligned with the expectations of the contracting authority. Company officials said they are ready to undertake the technical, financial and environmental assessments required before field operations commence.

United Kingdom High Commissioner to Cameroon Matt Woods, who accompanied the PROPAV delegation, welcomed the signing and praised the cooperation between the parties. He also thanked the Ministry of Public Works for its cooperation during discussions leading to the agreement.

“I am very pleased to be here with PROPAV and its Country Manager, Paula Miguel. This is the first step of a collaboration that I believe will be very fruitful. I have seen the personal commitment of the minister and the commitment of PROPAV, and I am confident that this road will be delivered,” Woods said.

British partners also reiterated their commitment to supporting implementation of the project, noting that the required studies for the priority road have already been completed. The MoU now provides the framework for advancing technical preparations, financing discussions and planning ahead of the start of construction works.

Source: Business in Cameroon

24, June 2026

Messi, Mbappé and Haaland lead World Cup Golden Boot race ⁰

Goal-scoring records have been tumbling at the 2026 World Cup – and the world’s most prolific strikers have another milestone in sight.

Usually a subplot, the race for the World Cup Golden Boot is one of the main talking points at this year’s tournament as the top marksmen set a blistering pace.

The overall record has already been broken by Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who now has 18 goals over six World Cups after adding five in two games in the United States.

But he is being chased hard by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland – who have four goals apiece – with Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane also in the mix.

The long-standing single-tournament record of 13 goals set in 1958 by France’s Just Fontaine appears vulnerable.

German great Gerd Muller was the last man to hit double figures, at the 1970 tournament in Mexico, when he scored 10 goals.

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. — Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the opener against Algeria on his 200th appearance for Argentina. © Claudia Greco, Reuters

Since then, at all but three tournaments, the leading scorer has hit six goals or fewer.

Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, has been the standout performer so far at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

He struck a memorable hat-trick against Algeria before scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over Austria, accounting for all five of the defending champions’ goals so far.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said it was “hard to explain” the genius of the veteran forward after their opening match in Kansas City.

“We are amazed with him still, although we get to see him on a daily basis and he’s been the best for 20 years,” he said. “He still pulls it off every single match.”

Messi’s most likely challenger, based on the prospect of a deep run in the tournament, is Mbappé, who scored eight goals four years ago in Qatar to win the Golden Boot.

The 27-year-old, now France’s record goalscorer, is just two goals behind Messi’s career total.

Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time record scorer after his brace in their opening match against Senegal. — Kylian Mbappé became France’s all-time record scorer after his brace in their opening match against Senegal. © Dylan Martinez, Reuters

The Real Madrid star said, perhaps unconvincingly, that chasing Messi was not top of his mind after his team’s 3-0 stroll against Iraq in their second game.

“Leo always scores goals and always will,” he said. “So I am not looking at what he is doing, I’m just focusing on helping my team.”

‘They’re so inevitable’

Level with Mbappé on four goals is Manchester City forward Haaland, who has scored in his past 12 competitive appearances for Norway.

The giant forward, 25, played down his extraordinary talent after taking his international tally to a remarkable 59 goals in 52 games.

“It’s like many other things, I’m just really good at scoring goals and I’m quite lucky,” he said. “I don’t know what I’m doing. It’s just how it is.”

Germany’s Deniz Undav and Canada’s Jonathan David have three goals each and Kane and Ronaldo are among a clutch of players with two.

Portugal’s Ronaldo briefly stole the spotlight from long-time rival Messi on Tuesday when he became the first man to score in six different World Cup tournaments.

The 41-year-old roared, “I’m back, I’m back” after his two strikes in the 5-0 romp against Uzbekistan, which followed an insipid performance from him in their opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Ronaldo, the leading scorer in men’s international history, with 145 goals, said: “I always arrive, even if it’s later, but I’m there.”

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal against Uzbekistan. — Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal against Uzbekistan. © Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images via Reuters

Kane, whose six goals won him the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, is stuck on two after missing a golden chance during England’s goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday.

US striker Folarin Balogun, who has netted twice, has set his sights on matching the world’s elite but realises he has a tough act to follow.

“Seeing players like Messi, Mbappe, Haaland – they’re so inevitable. I think they’re scoring a goal a game, sometimes more,” he said.

“For me, it’s just about trying to get to that level – to be inevitable as well, to be consistent.”

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

24, June 2026

Manyu Chieftaincy Disease: Is Ossing the next victim? ⁰

Manyu Division may be known for many things but one thing that makes the Division stands out is the people’s penchant for titles and this exaggerated love for the titles is one reason why the villages which make up Manyu Division are permanently in dispute and are underdeveloped.

Besongabang, Nchang, Kembong and many others have all been torn apart by chieftaincy disputes which have been around in those villages for a long time, making it hard for residents of the villages or their Diasporic communities to come together to discuss development.

For many decades, it was thought that some Manyu villages were insulated from that internecine chaos, but one after the other, the villages are quietly joining the ranks of chaotic rural settlements, wrapping themselves up in chieftaincy disputes which have retarded the development of many villages in a constituency many hold could have been a shiny example to others in terms of development.

Ossing, with its rotational system, has been the envy of many Manyu villages for decades. Comprised of Kaeka and Kenyang communities, Ossing adopted a rotatory system, making it easy for the chieftaincy title to peaceful and seamlessly move from one linguistic group to another.

But from every indication, that myth is gradually shattering as Ossing prepares to walk away from peace and harmony.

In 2025, Ossing lost its respected traditional ruler. An academic and seasoned administrator, Professor Edward Ako. According to our sources in Ossing, Professor Ako actually took the village to safer shores and there was peace during his time.

A source in Ossing who spoke to Cameroon Concord News Group but sued for anonymity said that Ossing was bracing for impact as impostors and enemies of peace struggle to hand a throne to a man whose character, ability and vision leave much to be desired. The suspect, Thompson Ndip, a civil servant in Yaoundé, is prepared to destroy a peaceful village if things do not go his way.

A manipulator and spinner, Mr. Ndip is desperate for the title, but from every indication, his efforts are not delivering the results he wants. The people of Ossing are wise and no amount of food and drinks will sway them.

“We are really seeing the mess that has destroyed many villages in Manyu. We have been trying to avoid it but a small minority of hungry and desperate people want to change the course of things in our beloved village,” our source said.

“We have a process which has worked and it was the same process which brought Prof. Ako to power in Ossing. This process calls for an evaluation of the different candidates based on certain criteria. Following an evaluation of the candidates, the candidate who is the fourth on the evaluation list, Mr. Thompson Ndip, is the one protesting and trying to bribe everyone,” our source said, adding that “He is a civil servant in Yaoundé and has surrounded himself with financially desperate and hungry people who think that he has money. Why should anyone be accepted as the chief if he does not have the right character and was never the first on that list?,” he quipped.

“The second and third persons on that list have not protested. Some of the candidates have already congratulated the person who topped the list. Ossing needs someone who can unite people and convince those who have money to contribute towards the development of our village,” our angry source said.

“You cannot lose an evaluation exercise and then come and be parading yourself as a champion. One of his supporters told us in Ossing that it was likely that he will be appointed as a minister in Biya’s next government. Who has ever been appointed a minister just because he is managing a project funded by donors? We may be living in Ossing, but we are not stupid and blind. We know what is happening and we cannot fall for such mischief and dishonesty,” he said

“Manyu and Ossing have better people who can represent us in Biya’s government. This young civil servant has been corrupting some of the kingmakers and some are opposed to his approach to things. Some kingmakers who certified the results on the day the evaluation was made later changed their positions, claiming that they were hungry and did not see the documents they signed. This is really funny,” he said.

“Such people should never be kingmakers again in our village. It is obvious that they have been given food and they can now see properly. This is dishonesty,” he stressed.

“These same dishonest elements even went to the Senior Divisional Officer in Mamfe and lied that they had chosen their chief and some people were threatening them. They thought the SDO was stupid. He simply advised the Kaeka kingmakers to present their choice of chief to the kenyang kingmakers, after which the Kenyang kingmakers will approve or disapprove depending on the person’s character,” he pointed out.

“Once the Kenyang kingmakers approve their choice, they will submit their approval to the Ossing Traditional Council (OTC) which is the only body mandated to present a chief to the SDO and the administration. But because the hungry Kaeka kingmakers know that they are playing tricks, they have been avoiding to meet with the Kenyang kingmakers,” he stressed.

“On Saturday, the same hungry kingmakers invited the Kenyang kingmakers to a location not approved for the presentation of the chief. The Kenyang kingmakers turned down the invitation. To spice their invitation, they proudly told the kingmakers to come with their flasks for them to carry food and meat to their homes. This did not move the Kenyang kingmakers who are determined to ensure that the rules and procedures are followed. Not everyone can be bought,” he stressed.

“Since the Kenyang kingmakers did not honor the invitation of the food-and-drink kaeka kingmakers, the desperate kingmakers made a video claiming that they had presented their chief to their Kenyang colleagues. We, in Ossing, are aware of what they are selling, but none of us will be part of that game,” he stressed.

“The processes and procedures must be followed and if they are followed, the right person will be chosen. We need the right person. Someone with the right character. If we get it wrong, the development of our village will stall as many donors might not support our projects,” he pointed out.

“The disease that has affected many Manyu villages seems to be making its way to Ossing but we will do our best to stop it. We have the men and resources to manage our processes the right way to ensure that chaos does not stall our development process,” he concluded.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

23, June 2026

Owona Nguini’s attacks on Samuel Eto’o are becoming increasingly unconvincing ⁰

Professor Mathias Éric Owona Nguini is among the many French Cameroun political elites facing war crime charges in Southern Cameroons. The so-called professor has every right to criticize the leadership of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and its president, Samuel Eto’o.

Frankly speaking, healthy debate is essential in football administration. However, Owona Nguini’s recent attacks increasingly appear driven more by personal and political motives than by a balanced assessment of the realities facing Cameroonian football.

In the aftermath of the Indomitable Lions’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Owona Nguini publicly blamed the Cameroon Football Federation and Eto’o for the disappointment. The Cameroon Football Federation responded by rejecting his accusations and defending its role during the qualification campaign.

What is very disturbing is that the so-called professor’s interventions rarely come with practical solutions. Cameroon football has suffered from administrative conflicts, CPDM government interference, poor infrastructure and institutional rivalries for decades. Reducing every problem to Samuel Eto’o is an oversimplification that ignores the broader challenges that existed long before Eto’o arrived at FECAFOOT and deliberately ignoring the destruction that was caused by Owona Nguini’s late dad Professor Joseph Owona and his gang during their time at the FIFA Normalization Committee.

Many football commentators and observers are beginning to wonder whether Owona Nguini’s constant criticism is linked to a desire to maintain the influence once exercised by his late father within Cameroonian football circles. Whether that perception is fair or not, the so-called professor’s repeated attacks risk looking like a campaign against a man rather than a constructive contribution to football governance in Cameroon.

Samuel Eto’o’s tenure has not been free of controversy. He has faced criticism and disciplinary issues during his time as FECAFOOT president, and those matters deserve scrutiny. But criticism should be accompanied by credible alternatives and concrete proposals.

For those who do not know like Owona Nguini, Cameroon football does not need endless personal battles. It needs ideas, reforms and unity. If Mister Owona Nguini wants to be taken seriously as a stakeholder in the future of the Cameroonian game, he should spend less time launching personal attacks and more time presenting solutions. So far, many of his interventions have generated headlines and controversy, but little in the way of a roadmap for improving Cameroonian football.

The future of the sport in Cameroon will not be built through nostalgia, Owona family legacies or media confrontations. It will be built through competence, accountability and results—standards that should apply equally to President Samuel Eto’o, CPDM Professor Owona Nguini and anyone else seeking influence in the Cameroonian game.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

23, June 2026

Football: Algeria beats Jordan 2-1 to clinch its first World Cup win since 2014 ⁰

Algeria scored off two corner kicks in the second half to rally from an early deficit and defeat Jordan 2-1 on Monday night to bolster its chances of advancing to the knockout round of the World Cup.

Second-half substitute Nadhir Benbouali headed in a corner kick in the 69th minute and Amine Gouiri provided the game-winner in the 82nd to give Algeria its first win at the World Cup since 2014.

The Jordanians had taken the lead for the first time at a World Cup on a first-half goal by Nizar Al Rashdan but couldn’t withstand the continual pressure from Algeria in the second half.

This marked the first time Algeria had ever won a World Cup game after conceding the first goal. They had seven losses and two draws previously when that happened.

Algeria bounced back after a 3-0 to Argentina in its opening game and can finish second in Group J – and clinch a spot in the knockout round – with a win on Saturday against Austria.

Jordan is out of contention for the knockout rounds with a second straight loss. It opened with a 3-1 defeat to Austria but put up a strong effort in its first appearance on soccer’s biggest stage.

Momentum clearly swung after Benbouali equalized when Riyad Mahrez’s corner kick found him in the middle of the box and he sent a header into the corner that Yazeed Abulaila couldn’t stop.

Algeria kept up the attack and took the lead when Gouiri got a touch on a ball in the box that deflected off Abulaila and into the net, setting off an Algerian celebration with their fans just behind the goal at Levi’s Stadium.

Source: AP

23, June 2026

Iran says no visit scheduled for UN nuclear inspectors ⁰

Iran has said there are no visits scheduled for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to see nuclear sites earlier bombed by the United States.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there was no protocol for such inspections, adding that Iran would continue its current obligations as a member of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and under its safeguards agreement ⁠with the IAEA.

His remarks appear to undercut those made by US Vice President JD Vance, who said negotiations in Switzerland won an agreement for the IAEA to visit the Iranian sites.

The IAEA has been in and out of Iran since Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in 2025, but has not been granted access to the bombed enrichment sites targeted by America in that war.

Source: France 24