Messi breaks World Cup scoring record: Lionel Messi has made history as the top goalscorer in World Cup history during the 2026 tournament.
Archived Pulse in South Africa
Country pulse digest
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Archived Pulse in South Africa
In South Africa, strong interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup dominates searches, highlighted by Lionel Messi's record-breaking scoring and key matches involving Algeria, France, and Norway. Locally, Kaizer Chiefs' coaching changes attract attention.
Active topics
24
Search volume
221K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
24
Sports38% (9)
Life17% (4)
World13% (3)
Politics8% (2)
Weather8% (2)
Money8% (2)
Culture4% (1)
Entertainment4% (1)
Why people are curious
People in South Africa are primarily curious about the sports-related records and progress of teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, seeking explanations and updates on notable players and matches. There is also strong intent to understand local soccer developments such as coaching changes at Kaizer Chiefs. Political searches reflect attention toward the unfolding anti-immigration protests requiring informational and situational awareness. Meanwhile, weather-related queries indicate planning and worry about heat waves and drought prospects affecting the region and internationally.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Algeria defeats Jordan in World Cup comeback: Algeria staged a second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1, progressing in the 2026 World Cup.
Dillon Sheppard joins Kaizer Chiefs coaching staff: Dillon Sheppard was appointed second assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs to strengthen the team.
Anti-immigration protests raise concerns in South Africa: South Africa has experienced anti-immigration protests, prompting government attention and security measures.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in South Africa
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
WorldDeclining
fish river canyon
All 96 hikers trapped in Fish River Canyon due to flooding were safely rescued without injury.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
02
SportsDeclining
world cup top scorers
Lionel Messi has become the top goalscorer in World Cup history during the 2026 tournament.
100K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
argentinaargentina fcmessi
03
SportsDeclining
france national football team vs iraq national football team standings
The France national football team is actively competing in the 2026 World Cup with notable performances and developments.
50K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
france national football teamfrance fc
04
SportsDeclining
jordan national football team vs algeria national football team standings
Algeria secured a comeback victory over Jordan in the 2026 World Cup, advancing in the tournament standings.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
jordan vs algeriaalgeria vs jordan
05
SportsDeclining
senegal vs norway
Norway's victory over Senegal in the 2026 World Cup group stage, highlighted by Erling Haaland's two goals, has sparked intense interest.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
erling haalandsenegal fcnorway fc
06
SportsDeclining
dillon sheppard kaizer chiefs staff
Dillon Sheppard's appointment as Kaizer Chiefs' second assistant coach marks a significant change in the club's coaching staff.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
dillon sheppardkaizer chiefs f.c.
07
PoliticsDeclining
south africa anti immigration protests june
South Africa has seen protests and significant discussion around anti-immigration sentiments, mirrored by international migration topics.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
firoz cachaliamigration30 june shutdown
08
CultureDeclining
twin
People are searching about twins, including unique twin marriages and notable twin-related news.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
09
SportsDeclining
rassie erasmus handre pollard defense
Searches connect to Rassie Erasmus defending Handre Pollard amid rugby discussions.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
rassie erasmus defends pollard
10
LifeDeclining
university
People are following various university-related developments including AI impacts and campus news.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
11
SportsDeclining
scotland vs new zealand
People are searching for updates and highlights on recent Scotland vs New Zealand sports matches across cricket, rugby, and football.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 22 days ago
scotland women's national cricket team vs new zealand women's national cricket team match scorecard
12
EntertainmentDeclining
clive davis
Interest has surged in remembering Clive Davis, the legendary music executive who died recently at age 94.
2K+ searches · 800% growthLast seen 22 days ago
music
World / Following | 22 days ago
fish river canyon
Why it matters
DecliningThis topic was last observed 22 days ago and is no longer part of the current pulse, backed by 2K+ recorded searches. People are searching to follow a developing event.
Last seen 22 days ago
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
All 96 trapped Fish River Canyon hikers rescued Staff Reporter ALL 96 hikers trapped in the Fish River Canyon due to flo…
All 96 Fish River Canyon hikers rescued safe and uninjured - The Namibian -
All 96 trapped Fish River Canyon hikers rescued - Informanté
NWR rescuing 96 hikers from Fish River Canyon - The Namibian -
Fish River Canyon hike closed due to heavy rainfall in the Naute Dam catchment area - Informanté
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.