Intense interest in 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout matches: South Africans are intensely following key 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, especially England vs DR Congo and Belgium vs Senegal, marked by dramatic com~
Archived Pulse in South Africa
Country pulse digest
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Archived Pulse in South Africa
In South Africa, strong public engagement centers on major 2026 FIFA World Cup matches and growing concerns over migration tensions, alongside spikes in tax compliance interest and politically charged debates. Weather disruptions and prominent sports transfers further shape the trend landscape.
Active topics
20
Search volume
274.6K
Leading topic
Sports
Attention mix
What the country is searching
20
Sports40% (8)
World15% (3)
Money15% (3)
Politics15% (3)
Weather5% (1)
Technology5% (1)
Culture5% (1)
Why people are curious
South Africans are primarily following the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, seeking live updates and analyses as global sporting excitement peaks. At the same time, curiosity about migration stems from attempts to explain ongoing humanitarian and policy challenges impacting communities locally and internationally. People are planning to comply with new SARS tax deadlines and travel declarations, reflecting practical needs for administrative clarity. The political intent reveals debating as citizens engage with contentious local figures and commissions to understand their implications.
What to know now
The pulse, explained
Migration and repatriation concerns surge amid xenophobic tensions: There is heightened public focus on migration challenges and Nigerian repatriation amid xenophobic tensions, highlighting important humanitarian and
SARS tax compliance and Powerball jackpot draw dominate money searches: Tax-related concerns spike around SARS auto-assessment dates and new traveller declaration requirements, coupled with a major lottery jackpot drawing
Political debates and data breach worries engage the public: South Africans monitor political figures like Herman Mashaba and Julius Malema amid debates on commissions, while data breaches raise technology se
Weather disruptions and key sports transfers capture public interest: Weather alerts for heavy rain and flooding, plus major sports transfers like Orlando Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng's European move, attract attention
Ranked searches
What people are curious about in South Africa
The leading searches, their context, and the related questions forming around them.
01
SportsPeaking
spain vs austria
Interest in the Spain vs Austria 2026 World Cup match is surging as fans seek predictions and viewing options.
2K+ searches · 700% growthSearch volume up 300%
spain vs austria prediction
02
SportsPeaking
england vs dr congo
People are actively following the live updates and outcomes of the 2026 World Cup match between England and DR Congo.
100K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 19900%
drc vs englanddr congo vs england
03
SportsPeaking
belgium vs senegal
Fans are closely tracking the dramatic and closely contested FIFA World Cup match between Belgium and Senegal, including post-match reactions.
100K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 100%
senegal vs belgiumsenegalsenegal fc
04
WorldSurging
migration
There is heightened interest in understanding migration issues, policies, and related humanitarian initiatives, especially concerning various global regions and communities.
20K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 300%
soweto community demonstrations immigration
05
WorldPeaking
south africa nigerian repatriation
Tensions over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa have escalated, leading to calls for repatriation and compensation.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 400%
06
MoneySurging
sars auto-assessment 2026 dates
Taxpayers are seeking clarity on upcoming SARS auto-assessment dates and related tax relief measures.
10K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 400%
taxpayers
07
WeatherSurging
snow
Heavy rain and related weather events have led to alerts and disruptions in various regions.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 150%
rain
08
SportsEmerging
orlando pirates relebohile mofokeng
Relebohile Mofokeng is gaining significant attention as he transitions from Orlando Pirates to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise amid strong European interest.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume down 50%
relebohile mofokeng orlando piratesorlando pirates f.c.
09
SportsSurging
ind vs eng
The IND vs ENG T20I cricket series attracted attention despite rain affecting play and impacting the outcome of the opener.
5K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 150%
eng vs ind
10
PoliticsSurging
vusi shongwe julius malema madlanga commission
There is increased public debate involving Vusi Shongwe, Julius Malema, and the Madlanga Commission, indicated by spikes in related searches.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthRank improved 1 places
11
MoneyNew
sars online traveller declaration
The SARS online traveller declaration becomes compulsory in South Africa from July 2026 for certain travellers.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthFirst recent appearance
south african travel declarationsars traveller declaration
12
SportsPeaking
kaizer chiefs transfer window
Kaizer Chiefs football club sees heightened attention on their transfer activity ahead of the 2025/26 season.
2K+ searches · 1,000% growthSearch volume up 100%
Why it matters
PeakingAttention remains high, but its recent rise is beginning to level off, backed by 2K+ recent searches and 700% growth. People are searching to follow a developing event.
Search volume up 300%
Reporting and context
Source coverage helping explain why this topic is moving.
Spain vs. Austria Prediction, Odds, Picks For World Cup Match - FOX Sports
World Cup predictions, round of 32: Portugal vs Croatia, Spain vs Austria and rest of matchday 22 - The New York Times
Everything You Need to Know for Spain vs. Austria in LA - Yahoo Sports
Spain vs. Austria 2026 livestream: How to watch World Cup for free - Mashable
Spain vs. Austria: Polymarket prices, props and best bet for World Cup knockout round - Syracuse.com
The wider weekly pattern
Curiosity trail
Related searches that led here, appeared alongside it, or followed.