World Cup soccer focus: Kenyans are actively tracking the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 matches, especially USA vs Belgium, Portugal vs Spain, and Argentina vs Egypt, with
Archived Pulse in Kenya
Country pulse digest
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Archived Pulse in Kenya
In Kenya, strong interest surrounds the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout matches and star players, alongside notable political debates about Saba Saba Day protests. Additionally, attention is rising on Kenya Defence Forces developments and forthcoming tax amnesty programs.
Active topics
15
Search volume
28.1K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
15
Sports60% (9)
Politics20% (3)
Money13% (2)
Technology7% (1)
Why people are curious
People in Kenya are mostly curious about following major sporting events, particularly the FIFA World Cup matches, demonstrated by the intent to follow and explain detailed game results, player performances, and tournament predictions. On the political side, the intent to debate around Saba Saba Day shows public interest in understanding and discussing possible protests and governmental actions. For the Kenya Defence Forces and tax amnesty program, the explanatory intent indicates a desire to grasp official developments and policy changes impacting national security and fiscal matters.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Saba Saba Day political debate: Saba Saba Day in Kenya sparks heated public debate and concerns over potential protests on July 7, 2026.
Ronaldo's World Cup exit: Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup game and Mikel Merino's winning goal gain widespread attention in Kenya.
Kenya Defence Forces modernization: Growing interest in Kenya Defence Forces highlights military cooperation with the U.S. and expanded AI training.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in Kenya
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
SportsCooling
folarin balogun
Folarin Balogun is a key football player recently involved in a World Cup controversy regarding a red card ban.
500+ searches · 200% growthLast seen 5 days ago
usa vsbalogunlive
02
SportsCooling
usa vs belgium
People in Kenya are actively following the USA vs. Belgium 2026 World Cup match, including watch parties and reactions to the game outcome.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
belgium vs usacharles de ketelaere
03
SportsCooling
portugal vs spain prediction
Kenyan users are seeking explanations and insights about the Portugal vs Spain World Cup match, focusing on players like Lamine Yamal and related predictions.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
yamalspain fcaymeric laporte
04
PoliticsCooling
saba saba
Saba Saba Day has sparked debate and concern in Kenya regarding possible protests and government responses around July 7, 2026.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
saba saba 2026saba saba day
05
SportsCooling
argentina vs egypt
People are following the Argentina vs Egypt match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
2K+ searches · 700% growthLast seen 5 days ago
egypt vs argentina
06
SportsCooling
spain
Searches are related to Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from the World Cup after Portugal's loss to Spain.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
cristiano ronaldobruno fernandes
07
PoliticsCooling
kenya defence forces
Interest in Kenya Defence Forces is rising due to developments in military cooperation and training initiatives.
1K+ searches · 500% growthLast seen 5 days ago
08
MoneyCooling
excise
Excise taxes, which are applied to goods like tobacco, alcohol, and fuel, are receiving increased attention due to new policies and discussions in multiple countries.
1K+ searches · 700% growthLast seen 5 days ago
excise duty returns june 2026
09
SportsCooling
mikel merino
Mikel Merino scored a late goal sending Spain past Portugal in the World Cup and ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career, leading to substantial search interest.
500+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 5 days ago
10
MoneyCooling
kra tax amnesty program 2026
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Tax Amnesty Program for 2026 is gaining search interest as taxpayers seek information on upcoming tax relief opportunities.
500+ searches · 600% growthLast seen 5 days ago
11
PoliticsCooling
celeste amarilla
Celeste Amarilla, a Paraguayan senator, faced backlash for racist remarks targeting footballer Kylian Mbappé.
200+ searches · 300% growthLast seen 5 days ago
12
SportsCooling
leandro trossard
Leandro Trossard is attracting significant attention due to transfer news and his role in the World Cup.
100+ searches · 900% growthLast seen 5 days ago
Sports / Following | 5 days ago
folarin balogun
Why it matters
CoolingThis topic was last observed 5 days ago; its earlier momentum should now be read as historical, backed by 500+ recorded searches. People are searching to follow a developing event.
Last seen 5 days ago
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
FIFA dismisses Belgium appeal over Folarin Balogun ban decision - The Athletic - The New York Times
UEFA statement on the Balogun case - UEFA.com
Integrity of World Cup is questioned as Trump, FIFA defend actions surrounding Balogun suspension - AP News
Folarin Balogun playing US vs. Belgium World Cup match after red card ban lifted - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News…
Folarin Balogun named in starting XI for U.S. vs. Belgium - ESPN
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.