FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage matches draw massive attention: Strong interest in FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout matches featuring Switzerland vs Colombia and Egypt vs Argentina, highlighting important games with on
Archived Pulse in South Africa
Country pulse digest
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Archived Pulse in South Africa
South African interest centers on FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout matches and related controversies, regional political collaborations involving President Ramaphosa, economic concerns over upcoming fuel prices, active following of sports transfers and tennis tournaments.
Active topics
23
Search volume
221.5K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
23
Sports43% (10)
Money17% (4)
Politics13% (3)
World9% (2)
Entertainment9% (2)
Health4% (1)
Life4% (1)
Why people are curious
People in South Africa are mostly curious to follow live and detailed updates about the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, driven by the desire to track their favorite teams’ progress, understand controversial refereeing decisions, and engage with the excitement of the tournament’s knockout stages. The public also seeks to explain political developments involving President Cyril Ramaphosa’s regional initiatives to comprehend their impact on South Africa’s diplomatic and educational landscape. Planning motives are behind searches for upcoming fuel price forecasts, as individuals aim to anticipate and manage economic pressures on household and business budgets.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Regional diplomacy and sustainability shape searches on Cyril Ramaphosa: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is linked with Ghana through regional sustainability and education partnership efforts.
Rising curiosity on August 2026 fuel price forecasts amid economic concerns: South Africans prepare for fluctuating fuel prices in August 2026 amid government reliefs and market volatility.
Heightened following of local soccer transfers and Wimbledon tennis progress: Sports fans closely follow transfer news for AmaZulu FC and high-profile tennis players advancing at Wimbledon.
Security and safety worries dominate international news with Iran and Boeing 737 incidents: Serious concerns over geopolitical tensions involving Iran and news of a missing Boeing 737 cargo plane off Pakistan coast.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in South Africa
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
HealthCooling
ebola
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused nearly 600 deaths and sparked health worker strikes.
1K+ searches · 400% growthLast seen 3 days ago
02
SportsCooling
switzerland vs colombia
People are searching for updates and highlights from the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia.
100K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
colombia vs switzerland
03
SportsCooling
egypt vs argentina
Users are seeking coverage and details of the World Cup 2026 last 16 match between Egypt and Argentina, including controversy over refereeing and VAR decisions.
50K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
messi
04
PoliticsCooling
cyril ramaphosa
Searches focus on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in relation to Ghana and regional topics such as sustainability and education collaborations.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
president of south africaghana
05
MoneyCooling
august 2026 fuel price forecast
South Africans are searching for fuel price forecasts for August 2026 amid current fluctuations and government measures affecting fuel costs.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
fuel prices south africa
06
SportsCooling
amazulu fc player transfers
Interest in Amazulu FC player transfers has increased sharply, indicating fans are following recent team changes closely.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
07
MoneyCooling
capitec bank
Capitec Bank is gaining search interest due to strong financial results and significant shareholder activity in South Africa's financial market.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
08
SportsCooling
sir steve hansen on rassie erasmus
People are seeking insights on Sir Steve Hansen's views about Rassie Erasmus and South African rugby team strategies.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
steve hansen
09
SportsCooling
fifa world cup quarter-finals schedule
Many are looking for the schedule and fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final matches.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
world cup quarter final fixturesfifa world cup fixtures
10
SportsCooling
morocco vs france
Searches focus on the upcoming World Cup quarter-final match between Morocco and France and related news.
5K+ searches · 900% growthLast seen 3 days ago
morocco world cupworld cup quarter finals
11
MoneyCooling
powerball results 7 july 2026
People are searching for the latest Powerball lottery results for July 7, 2026.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
powerball results for today
12
SportsCooling
england vs norway
Fans are following live updates and analysis for the England vs Norway World Cup football match.
2K+ searches · 400% growthLast seen 3 days ago
norway vs englandfootball
Health / Worrying | 4 days ago
ebola
Why it matters
CoolingThis topic was last observed 3 days ago; its earlier momentum should now be read as historical, backed by 1K+ recorded searches. People are searching to understand a possible risk or disruption.
Last seen 3 days ago
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Some health workers in Congo's Ebola outbreak go on strike over pay issues as deaths near 600 - AP News
There's no treatment designed for the Ebola strain ravaging DRC. But now there's hope - NPR
For Rebels in Congo, Ebola Could Help Strengthen Their Rule - The New York Times
Africa Has Faced a Rare Ebola Outbreak for Months. Here’s What to Know. - Council on Foreign Relations
What will define Elon Musk’s legacy? Doge cuts to USAID Ebola programs - The Guardian
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.