World Cup matches and records drive football craze: A huge surge in interest surrounds the FIFA World Cup 2026, with South Africans following key matches featuring teams like Argentina, South Africa, DR
Archived Pulse in South Africa
Country pulse digest
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Archived Pulse in South Africa
The dominant trend in South Africa is a sports surge around the FIFA World Cup 2026, fueled by record-breaking performances and national team progress. Concurrently, political and social tensions rise due to an anti-foreigner march and scrutiny of President Ramaphosa amid impeachment challenges.
Active topics
24
Search volume
204K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
24
Sports75% (18)
Politics17% (4)
Money8% (2)
Why people are curious
The public in South Africa is intensely following sports events, especially the FIFA World Cup, to keep up with live scores, match outcomes, record-breaking achievements, and team standings, demonstrating a collective enthusiasm for national and global football competitions. Simultaneously, research into social and political issues, such as the anti-foreigner march and President Ramaphosa's legal and political challenges, reflects concern and a desire to stay informed about national stability and governance.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Social unrest feeds anxieties about xenophobia in Cape Town: Searches reveal rising tensions around an anti-foreigner march in Cape Town, highlighting social and political immigration issues.
Vodacom dominates conversations on telecom and business developments: Vodacom's recent business moves and partnerships, along with corporate developments, are increasingly explored amid growing digital market interest.
Ramaphosa faces legal challenges and social unrest: Political attention focuses on President Cyril Ramaphosa amid impeachment probes and efforts to curb escalating anti-migrant violence.
Job market trends highlight technology impacts and sector growth: The job market sees focus on growth in space economy jobs and AI-driven entry-level job concerns, reflecting economic shifts and anxieties.
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in South Africa
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
SportsCooling
portugal vs colombia
The Portugal vs Colombia World Cup match is generating buzz, with attention on Cristiano Ronaldo's influence and the match dynamics.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
cristiano ronaldo
02
SportsCooling
jordan vs argentina
People are searching for updates and analysis on the World Cup match between Jordan and Argentina, highlighting Lionel Messi's record-breaking performance.
50K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
argentina vs jordanlionel messi
03
SportsCooling
south africa vs canada
Fans and viewers are seeking information on the South Africa vs Canada World Cup 2026 match, including live streams, odds, and predictions.
20K+ searches · 500% growthLast seen 3 days ago
canada vs south africa
04
SportsCooling
algeria national football team vs austria national football team standings
Fans are searching for updates on the Algeria vs Austria match and their standings in the 2026 World Cup.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
algeria vs austria
05
SportsCooling
dr congo vs uzbekistan
There is high interest in the DR Congo versus Uzbekistan match in the World Cup, focusing on DR Congo's advancement.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
dr congo national football team vs uzbekistan national football team standingscongo dr vs uzbekistan
06
SportsCooling
zakho sc signing sipho mbule
People are looking up news regarding Sipho Mbule's recent transfer to Zakho SC in the Iraq Stars League.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
sipho mbule
07
SportsCooling
croatia national football team vs ghana national football team standings
Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 to advance in the 2026 World Cup group stage, with Nikola Vlašić scoring the winning goal.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
ghana national football teamcroatia
08
SportsCooling
england vs panama
England topped their World Cup group after a strong performance against Panama, with Jude Bellingham earning Player of the Match honors.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
england national football teamjude bellingham
09
SportsCooling
fifa world cup 2026 bracket
Fans are following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 bracket, including matchups, schedule, and knockout stage rules without draws.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
round of 32 world cupround of 32 fixtures
10
PoliticsCooling
parklands cape town anti-foreigner march
There is increased attention on an anti-foreigner march in Parklands, Cape Town, highlighting social tensions in South Africa.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
expats returning to south africa
11
SportsCooling
ellis park stadium
Ellis Park Stadium saw a surge of interest due to recent rugby events and attendance concerns.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
12
SportsCooling
hugo broos
Hugo Broos, South Africa's football coach, is gaining attention ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthLast seen 3 days ago
Why it matters
CoolingThis topic was last observed 3 days ago; its earlier momentum should now be read as historical, backed by 20K+ recorded searches. People are searching to follow a developing event.
Last seen 3 days agoConfidence: high
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
4 Takeaways From Portugal's Letdown vs. Colombia In The Group K Finale - FOX Sports
World Cup Daily: Messi scores for Argentina; Austria and Algeria qualify - ESPN
Cristiano Ronaldo is soccer's first-ever billionaire: He went from begging for burgers outside McDonald's to landing a $…
Why Portugal vs Colombia was the hottest ticket of the World Cup - The New York Times
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal after Colombia draw in World Cup - The Palm Beach Post
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.