He described the match between Visit Rwanda partners Arsenal FC and Atlético Madrid as an exciting encounter, commending Arsenal for their performance and qualification.
“Great match between Visit Rwanda partner teams Atlético Madrid and Arsenal. Congratulations to Arsenal FC on the win and qualification for the UEFA Champions League Final. May the best VisitRwanda partner team win!” Kagame wrote on X.
The two teams faced off in the second leg of the semi-final on May 5, 2026. Playing at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal took control early in the match and dominated much of the game. In the 44th minute, Bukayo Saka scored the only goal, giving Arsenal a 2-1 aggregate win over the two legs.
Another semi-final clash is scheduled for May 6, 2026, between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, both also partners of Visit Rwanda. In the first leg, PSG secured a 5-4 victory at home against Bayern Munich.
The winner of that tie will face Arsenal FC in the final, set to take place in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
This marks Arsenal’s second appearance in a UEFA Champions League final, their first being in 2006 when they lost to FC Barcelona.
Playing at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal took control early in the match and dominated much of the game. In the 44th minute, Bukayo Saka scored the only goal, giving Arsenal a 2-1 aggregate win over the two legs. The two teams faced off in the second leg of the semi-final on May 5, 2026.The two teams faced off in the second leg of the semi-final on May 5, 2026.
The decisive match of the 47th edition took place at BK Arena on Saturday, May 2, 2026, bringing to a close a 10-day continental competition hosted in Rwanda for the first time.
The Egyptian giants claimed their 17th title, extending their record as the most successful club in the tournament’s history. For Police VC, the result marked a historic milestone, as they became the first Rwandan side to reach the final.
Al Ahly dominated the encounter, sealing victory in one hour and 21 minutes. They outscored Police VC 75–63 across the three sets, underlining their control throughout the match.
Despite the loss, Police VC’s Elphas Maikuva Makuto delivered a standout performance, finishing as the match’s top scorer with 17 points. Al Ahly’s Jose Israel Masso Alvarez contributed 13 points.
Makuto also emerged as one of the tournament’s leading performers with a total of 141 points, while Masso Alvarez registered 78 points overall.
Notably, Police VC were the only team in the tournament to push Al Ahly beyond the 20-point mark in a single set. The Egyptian side completed the championship unbeaten, without dropping a single set.
Rwanda’s hosting of the tournament marked a significant milestone, with two of its four teams finishing on the podium. REG VC secured third place after defeating Petrojet Sporting Club 3–1 (25–21, 25–21, 13–25, 25–17).
Other Rwandan teams included Kepler VC, which finished seventh, and APR VC, which placed 11th among the 24 participating clubs.
Individual accolades reflected both Egyptian dominance and strong Rwandan representation. REG VC’s Matui Nicholas was named Best Outside Hitter, while Police VC’s Frank Shyaka (Best Middle Blocker), Melly Brian Kiprui (Best Setter), and Irakoze Alain (Best Libero) were also recognised.
For Al Ahly, Abdelrahman Elhossiny Eissa was named Best Outside Hitter and Most Valuable Player (MVP), having scored 60 points during the tournament. His teammates Abou Abd Elhalim Mohamed (Best Middle Blocker) and Jose Israel Masso Alvarez (Best Opposite) also received awards.
Final standings:
Al Ahly SC (Egypt) Police VC (Rwanda) REG VC (Rwanda) Petrojet SC (Egypt) Port Autonome de Douala (Cameroon) Kenya Ports Authority (Kenya) Kepler VC (Rwanda) Fath Union Sport (Morocco) Ghana Army (Ghana) Nemo Stars (Uganda) APR VC (Rwanda) Nigeria Customs (Nigeria) Equity Bank (Kenya) General Service Unit (Kenya) Kalibi SC (Ghana) Sport-S VC (Uganda) Litto Team VC (Cameroon) Cameroon Volleyball (Cameroon) AS INJS (Côte d’Ivoire) Rukinzo VC (Burundi) Wolaitta Dicha Sports Club (Ethiopia) Black Rhinos VC (Zimbabwe) Atlético Clube do Mindelo (Cape Verde) Prisons VC (Tanzania)
BK Arena was filled with a large crowd of fans during the final of the 2026 CAVB Men’s Club Championship.Police and Rwanda Defence Force personnel jointly rallied behind Police VC as it competed in the final of the African championship for the first time.Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, Inspector General of Police CG Felix Namuhoranye, and Rwanda Volleyball Federation President Ngarambe Raphaël were among the officials who attended the final match.Police VC put up a strong performance but was unable to overcome Al Ahly, the most accomplished club in African volleyball.CAVB President Bouchra Hajij commended Rwanda for successfully hosting the 10-day tournament held in Kigali.Al Ahly celebrates its 17th championship title.
The Office of the President confirmed the visit in a statement released on April 30, noting that the President attended the fixture featuring two of Rwanda’s primary “Visit Rwanda” partners.
Upon his arrival at the stadium, President Kagame was received by Atlético Madrid President Enrique Cerezo Torres.
The match remained a tightly contested affair throughout both halves. Arsenal took the lead just before the interval when Viktor Gyökeres converted a 44th-minute penalty following a foul by Atlético defender Dávid Hancko.
President Kagame attends UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between #VisitRwanda partners Arsenal FC and Atlético Madrid FC. pic.twitter.com/NbkF4AqxZM
Atlético Madrid found their response in the 56th minute after a handball by Arsenal’s Ben White led to a penalty, which Julián Álvarez successfully converted to level the score.
Both clubs maintain partnerships with Rwanda under the “Visit Rwanda” initiative, which promotes the country’s tourism and investment potential globally.
The partnership with Atlético Madrid, which runs from 2025 to 2028, includes branding at the club’s stadium and on training kits, as well as technical cooperation such as coaching development programs.
Meanwhile, the relationship with Arsenal has spanned eight years, featuring the “Visit Rwanda” logo on the club’s shirt sleeves and various promotional activities at Emirates Stadium, including player visits to Rwanda’s key tourism sites.
The result leaves the tie balanced ahead of the return leg, which is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at Emirates Stadium in London.
The latest appearance follows President Kagame’s attendance at another high-profile UEFA Champions League semi-final earlier in the week at the Parc des Princes in Paris, where Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich in a 5-4 encounter.
The match was played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.Upon his arrival at the stadium, President Kagame was received by Atlético Madrid President Enrique Cerezo Torres.There was a large turnout of fans at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.President Kagame was presented with a gift by Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo Torres.President Kagame engaged in talks with Atlético Madrid officials.President Kagame being received at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.The Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium was packed with more than 70,000 football fans, including President Kagame.Atlético Madrid and Arsenal drew 1-1.The first leg between Atlético Madrid and Arsenal took place in Madrid.President Kagame follows the match between Atlético Madrid and Arsenal.Atlético Madrid promotes Rwanda’s tourism through the “Visit Rwanda” campaign.
The encounter between PSG and Bayern Munich had drawn significant global attention. The French side entered the match as reigning champions, while the German club has been among the strongest teams this season.
PSG’s goals were scored by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who netted twice, João Neves, and Ousmane Dembélé, who also scored twice. Bayern Munich’s goals came from Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Dayot Upamecano, and Luis Díaz.
The return leg is scheduled to take place in Germany at Allianz Arena on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
PSG reached the semi-finals after eliminating Liverpool FC with an aggregate score of 4–0 on April 14, 2026.
In a message shared on X the following day, President Kagame congratulated the club for reaching the UEFA semi-finals.
The partnership between Visit Rwanda and Paris Saint-Germain was first signed in 2019 and renewed in 2025, extending through 2028. Under this agreement, PSG promotes Visit Rwanda at Parc des Princes and features the branding on its training kits.
Since the partnership began, millions of fans worldwide have gained greater awareness of Rwanda through media coverage and the club’s global visibility. The collaboration has also supported youth development, with more than 400 children benefiting from football training through the PSG Academy Rwanda.
Each year, the French club sends players and legends to Rwanda, where they explore the country’s tourism attractions and share their experiences with global audiences.
Most recently, players including Océane Nathalie Toussaint Dit Marseille, Baby Jordy Benera, and Jade Le Guilly from PSG’s women’s team visited Rwanda in late February this year.
President Kagame was present at Parc des Princes as PSG secured a thrilling semi final win against Bayern Munich.President Kagame witnessed PSG edge Bayern Munich in a high scoring Champions League clash.President Kagame has attended PSG’s dramatic 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich in Paris.
APR VC lost 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 29-27) to Petrojet in their final Group A match played on Monday evening at BK Arena, missing the chance to finish the group stage unbeaten.
The army side found it difficult to break down the Egyptian club, which dominated the opening two sets with identical 25-18 wins. Head coach Sammy Mulinge made tactical adjustments, introducing players including Niyonshima Samuel and resting James Achuil, but APR could not turn the match around. They pushed hard in the third set and came close to forcing a fourth, but eventually fell 29-27.
Despite the loss, APR VC progressed to the knockout stage as third in Group A, behind Uganda’s Nemo Stars and Petrojet Sports Club. Nemo Stars secured top spot after defeating Cameroon’s Litto Team 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-12).
In Group B, Egypt’s Al Ahly finished the preliminary round unbeaten after defeating AS INJS of Côte d’Ivoire 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-17).
Rwanda’s Kepler VC also impressed, claiming their fourth victory of the tournament with a 3-1 win over Kenya’s Equity Bank (25-19, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18).
Police VC also maintained a perfect record in Group C, edging Kenya Ports Authority in a five-set thriller to close the group stage unbeaten. The Rwandan side won 25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12.
Elsewhere in the same group, Ethiopia’s Wolaitta Dicha Sports Club defeated Tanzania’s Prisons VC 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-22), while Morocco’s Faith Union beat Ghana Army 3-2 (24-26, 25-14, 18-25, 25-23, 15-13).
In Group D, REG VC delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Ghana’s Kabili Sporting, winning 25-19, 25-21, 25-23.
Cameroon’s Port Autonome de Douala also secured a straight-sets win over Kenya’s General Service Unit, taking the match 25-14, 25-22, 25-20.
Teams qualified for the Round of 16
Group A: Nemo Stars, Petrojet, APR VC, Nigeria Customs
Group B: Al Ahly SC, Kepler VC, Sport-S VC, Equity Bank
Group C: Police VC, Faith Union, Ghana Army, Kenya Ports Authority
Group D: Port Autonome de Douala, General Service Unit, REG VC, Kabili Sporting
Round of 16 fixtures
REG VC will face Uganda’s Sport-S VC on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., while Police VC will take on Nigeria Customs at 2:00 p.m. at BK Arena.
Kepler VC will play Kenya’s General Service Unit at 4:00 p.m., while APR VC will face Morocco’s Faith Union at 8:00 p.m.
Full Wednesday fixtures
Nemo Stars vs Kenya Ports Authority
REG VC vs Sport-S VC
Police VC vs Nigeria Customs
Kepler VC vs General Service Unit
Port Autonome de Douala vs Equity Bank
Petrojet SC vs Ghana Army
Al Ahly vs Kabili Sporting
Faith Union vs APR VC
APR VC lost 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 29-27) to Petrojet in their final Group A match played on Monday evening at BK Arena.REG VC secured a win that confirmed its progression, defeating Kabili Sporting of Ghana.There were jubilant scenes among REG VC players following their victory in the match played at Petit Stade in Remera.Kepler VC also secured a place in the Round of 16 after defeating Equity Bank.The only match Kepler VC lost in Group B was against Al Ahly.FRVB President Ngarambe Raphaël followed the match between Kepler VC and Equity Bank.Police VC was the only Rwandan side to go unbeaten in the group stage, winning all its matches.Police VC Team Manager, CSP Jackline Urujeni, was actively supporting her players from the sidelines.
Sawe crossed the finish line in an astonishing 1:59:30, rewriting distance running history on one of the sport’s biggest stages. The performance marks the first time the sub-two-hour marathon has been achieved in an official race setting, ending years of debate and controlled experimental attempts.
“I am feeling good, I am happy, it’s a day to remember for me,” Sawe told reporters after his record-breaking run, holding up his shoe marked with the words “world record” and “sub-2” written in black ink.
Historic race pushes human limits
The race itself delivered a dramatic trio of landmark performances. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, running his first marathon, also went under the two-hour mark, finishing just 11 seconds behind Sawe. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28, breaking the previous official world record set by Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023 by seven seconds.
The sub-two-hour marathon has been one of athletics’ most elusive goals, pursued for years through high-profile experimental projects designed to test human endurance under near-perfect conditions.
Nike’s Breaking2 attempt in Monza in 2017 narrowly missed the mark, while Eliud Kipchoge famously ran 1:59:40 in Vienna in 2019 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, an achievement not recognised as an official record due to its controlled setup.
Sawe’s breakthrough, however, came in open competition in London, giving the feat unprecedented legitimacy within elite marathon racing.
Sawe’s triumph is made even more striking by his disrupted preparation. The Kenyan athlete was injured throughout the previous autumn and only resumed proper training in January. By February, he had recovered sufficiently to prepare for a title defence in London, culminating in a historic victory few could have predicted.
He credited the atmosphere in the capital for helping drive his performance.
“I think they help a lot,” Sawe said of the crowd support. “With them calling, you feel so happy and strong.”
The women’s race also produced a record-breaking performance, as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her London Marathon title in 2:15:41. The 29-year-old broke her own world record by nine seconds, pulling away late from Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, who finished second in 2:15:53, with Joyciline Jepkosgei third in 2:15:55.
The Matchday 28 fixture of the BK Premier League, played at Kamena Stadium, saw Nduwayo net the third goal in the 61st minute. The goal came from a well-delivered corner kick taken by Ruboneka Bosco, which he successfully converted.
It marked the defender’s first goal for APR FC, coming in just his second start in the Rwanda Premier League since joining the club.
His debut appearance came earlier in the season during APR FC’s 2–1 win over Marine FC.
Speaking after the match, Nduwayo described the moment as an important step in his development.
“It’s just the beginning of a journey. I will keep working hard. I am being given opportunities, and I need to make the most of them,” he said.
The defender also credited his teammates for helping him settle and perform confidently on the pitch.
Nduwayo started due to Niyigena Clément’s injury, while Nshimiyimana Yunussu missed the match after picking up three yellow cards.
Since joining APR FC from Gasogi United during the summer transfer window, the young defender has quickly risen through the ranks, earning a national team call-up with the Amavubi. On Saturday, he delivered a composed display at the heart of defence alongside Ishimwe Abdoul, contributing to a clean sheet for APR FC.
It was a special moment of joy for Nduwayo Alexis, who scored APR FC’s third goal at Kamena Stadium.Nduwayo was making his second league appearance since joining APR FC.APR FC players were delighted to see the young defender score.
For the Bank of Kigali, this partnership is part of a broader commitment to supporting Rwandans in every walk of life. Having previously backed sports such as basketball and cycling, the bank now turns to football, becoming “Banki ya Ruhago”, a bank for the nation’s most followed game, as the next frontier for impact.
This moment builds on the steady progress made by the Rwanda Premier League in recent years to raise the profile of local football.
The launch of the BK Pro League represents the next phase, focused on strengthening the league’s financial base, supporting clubs, and deepening the connection between football and its fans.
As Rwanda’s premier division competition, comprising 18 clubs, the BK Pro League is set to elevate standards across the board through supporting clubs and players on and off the pitch.
At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to financial inclusion. For many players who have historically operated outside formal banking systems, this marks a shift. Through access to tailored financial solutions and support, players will be better equipped to build a lasting financial security beyond their careers.
Fans, too, will benefit from a more connected and engaging game with enhanced matchday experiences which will bring them closer to the clubs and players that define Rwanda’s football.
Speaking on the partnership, the Chairman of Rwanda Premier League, Yussufu Mudaheranwa said: “This partnership marks an important milestone for the Rwanda Premier League. We have been building towards a stronger, more competitive league, and this collaboration with Bank of Kigali allows us to accelerate that progress, supporting our clubs, strengthening the league’s foundations, and creating a better environment for players and fans alike.”
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Diane Karusisi, the CEO of Bank of Kigali, said: “We are not just putting our name on a league. We are investing in the future of the Rwandan football ecosystem, and through it, in the future of Rwanda. As a bank for Rwandans, we are committed to supporting them in every journey, including sport. By extending this commitment to football, we aim to promote financial empowerment and create opportunities for players, clubs, and communities alike.”
The President of FERWAFA, Fabrice Shema Ngoga also noted the broader impact of such collaborations on the football ecosystem: “Strategic partnerships such as this are key to advancing football development in Rwanda. We welcome Bank of Kigali’s commitment and believe this collaboration will contribute positively to the growth of the game at all levels.”
With a shared vision, the BK Pro League sets the stage for a stronger, more competitive future, one where football continues to grow, unite, inspire and create opportunity across Rwanda.
The President of FERWAFA, Fabrice Shema Ngoga noted the broader impact of such collaborations on the football ecosystem.The launch of the BK Pro League represents the next phase, focused on strengthening the league’s financial base, supporting clubs, and deepening the connection between football and its fans. For the Bank of Kigali, the partnership is part of a broader commitment to supporting Rwandans in every walk of life.
Uncertainty over Iran’s participation has persisted due to the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel. However, FIFA has maintained that the team is expected to compete as scheduled.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times that he had suggested to US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy could take Iran’s place.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
FIFA did not formally respond to the proposal but pointed to remarks by president Gianni Infantino, who said last week: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
Zampolli’s suggestion was reportedly linked to diplomatic tensions between Washington and Rome, following criticism by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of comments made by Trump regarding Pope Leo XIV.
Four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for the tournament after losing a playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina last month, marking their third consecutive World Cup absence.
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21 respectively, before meeting Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament begins on June 11 and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Under FIFA regulations, the governing body holds sole discretion over any replacement if a team withdraws or is excluded. Article Six of the World Cup rules states that FIFA “may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
Speaking in Washington last week, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s position on Iran’s participation.
“We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful one. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people,” he said. “They have qualified. They’re a good team and they really want to play. Sport should be outside politics.”
In March, FIFA confirmed Iran’s fixtures would proceed as scheduled in the United States after reports that the Iranian federation had sought to move matches to Mexico due to safety concerns.
Iranian officials have since said the team is continuing preparations for the tournament, with football federation president Mehdi Taj stating that the squad remains committed to participation.
The idea of Italy replacing Iran has previously surfaced in past tournaments but has never been acted upon by FIFA. In this case, sources say there is currently no indication that Iran will withdraw or be excluded from the competition.
Italy players pose for a team group photo before a past match.
The men’s half-marathon world record was created by Uganda’s star distance runner Jacob Kiplimo at the Lisbon Half Marathon in Portugal last month.
At the inaugural E-Town half-marathon in 2025, Tiangong Ultra seized victory in two hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds, and only six out of the 20 competing teams successfully finished the 21.0975-kilometer race to make history.
In the second edition of the event on Sunday, humanoid robots made remarkable progress and demonstrated technological breakthroughs to become faster and more stable in running. The number of participating teams increased to more than 100 this year, including participants from Germany, France and Brazil.
In terms of competition rules, robots and human runners followed the same route but separate lanes to ensure safety, and the robot’s cutoff time was set at three hours and 40 minutes. The newly added format this year includes two ways of participation – remote control and autonomous navigation.
For teams in remote control, their finishing times need to be multiplied by a coefficient of 1.2. About 40 percent of the teams adopted the autonomous navigation to achieve better results.
“The setting of coefficient aims to guide and encourage the research and development of autonomous navigation, which represents a technological foundation for humanoid robots to be applied in more scenarios in our daily life towards future,” explained Liang Liang, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Institute of Electronics.
On the human’s side of E-Town half-marathon, China’s Zhao Haijie took the men’s title in one hour, seven minutes, and 47 seconds, while his compatriot Wang Qiaoxia was crowned in the women’s race with 1:18:06.
Gold medalist “Flash” (C) of Qitiandasheng Team in the autonomous category poses during the awarding ceremony for the humanoid robots’ half-marathon at the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)Humanoid robot “Flash” of Pofengshandian Team in the remote-controlled category crosses the finish line during the Beijing E-Town half-marathon and humanoid robots half-marathon in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area in southeast Beijing, China, April 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)
