As the knockout matches kick off with South Africa facing Canada, it’s hard not to roll your eyes at how mainstream media positions this. MSNBC is already framing it as a “historic moment for African football,” when really, it’s just another game in a long tournament. Why the sudden dramatics? Because it sells clicks, folks. This is just another example of how narratives are spun to create urgency and engagement, all for the sake of ad revenue.

Meanwhile, the exit of Iran is met with sobering headlines on CNN. “A Team’s Hard Work Dissolves,” they muse. The reality? It’s a standard build-up to hype other matches, especially with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo in the mix. Fox News is already salivating at the potential for a final showdown between these two legends, while ignoring the part where these players’ careers are nearing a close. Are we really peddling hope for a fairytale ending, or just cashing in on nostalgia?

Let’s not forget the irony; they push the narrative of “global inclusivity” while selectively amplifying African teams, perhaps to cover the lackluster performance of established squads. It’s rich considering how little airtime these lesser-known teams usually get. Are we supposed to cheer for history while ignoring the fact that these narratives often serve the status quo? Wake up, people!