If there was one thing that united pop culture fans this past week, it was the FIFA World Cup. Between the nail-biting knockout matches, endless debates online and Spain's historic triumph (¡Vamos, España!), it felt like the entire world was glued to football. I know I certainly was. But while the tournament deserved every bit of the attention it received, a handful of equally exciting moments quietly unfolded beyond the pitch. From Tyla sharing the stage with Shakira to Kenya landing the music industry's biggest power players, here are a few pop culture stories you may have missed in the World Cup frenzy.

Kenya Lands the Music Industry's Biggest Players

Kenya's music industry is entering a new era after President William Ruto announced that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group will establish their first offices in Nairobi. The move positions Kenya as an emerging hub for music investment, talent development and international partnerships, while signaling growing confidence in the country's creative economy. For Kenyan artists and industry professionals, the arrival of the "Big Three" record labels could open new pathways to global markets without having to leave home. 

Kenya's President William Ruto with Phonographic Industry (IFPI) CEO Victoria Oakley and other officials | Credit: Afrika.World

The Children of Blood and Bone Hype Is Real

After years of anticipation, Children of Blood and Bone has finally offered fans their first proper look. Paramount unveiled the first new images from the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling fantasy novel, showcasing a visually stunning world inspired by West African mythology. Led by South African actress Thuso Mbedu alongside a star-studded cast that includes Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Cynthia Erivo, the first look has already ignited excitement online, with many calling it one of the most anticipated fantasy films of 2027. 

Shakira & Tyla: A Full-Circle World Cup Moment

Just weeks after lighting up the FIFA World Cup final with their astonishing performances, Tyla made another career-defining appearance – this time alongside Shakira. The South African star joined the global icon on stage during the New York stop of Shakira's Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour for a performance of ‘Hips Don't Lie,’ a symbolic passing-of-the-torch moment between two generations of global pop stars. For Tyla, whose international rise continues to gather pace, sharing the stage with one of music's biggest names is yet another reminder that she's no longer just breaking through – she's arrived. 

Mbappé Makes History – and Lands EA Sports' Biggest Cover

Kylian Mbappé has added another milestone to an already extraordinary career. Following France's run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 27-year-old became the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 22 World Cup goals, surpassing every player in history. As if that wasn't enough, EA Sports also unveiled Mbappé as the cover athlete for the EA Sports FC 27 Ultimate Edition, cementing his place as football's defining superstar of this generation. Between record books and video game covers, it's Mbappé's world right now.

Love Island's New Chapter: One Couple Ends, Another Star Levels Up

It's been a busy week in the Love Island USA universe. Season 7 fan favorites Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen – better known to fans as "Nicolandria" – have reportedly called it quits after more than a year together, bringing one of the franchise's most beloved post-villa romances to an end. Meanwhile, Season 8 winner Trinity Tatum is already entering her next era, signing with talent agency WME just days after leaving the villa. The move positions her for opportunities in fashion, brand partnerships and entertainment, proving that while one Love Island chapter has closed, another is only just beginning.