Prior to their matchup with Toluca in the Campeone Cup final, Joseph Paintsil has been buoyed by his hat-trick performance for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
When the MLS champions play the Mexican team on Wednesday, the in-form Ghanaian—who scored a treble against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday—is anticipated to start at the top of the lineup.
Paintsil thinks the match against Toluca was a perfect opportunity to capture his second championship with LA Galaxy.
Yes, it does boost my confidence, but I also have the self-assurance to play these kinds of games, such as the Campeones Cup match. He remarked, “I’m waiting for it to give everything I have.”
“I think this hat trick really boost my confidence. For that, I will just take it into the game on Wednesday and to give everything and the team gives everything and we just see whatever will happen,” he added.
Paintsil has scored 13 goals and delivered three assists across all competitions for LA Galaxy this season.
This week, Black Stars coach Otto Addo will reveal his team for Ghana’s pivotal matches in the last round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament.
Four-time African champions Ghana are now leading Group I with 19 points and only need to win one more game to guarantee their spot in the championship in the US, Canada, and Mexico the following year.
The Black Stars will play their last doubleheader on Wednesday, October 8, at the Al Abdi Stadium in El Jadida against the Central African Republic. On Sunday, October 12, they will return to Accra to play Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium.
It is anticipated that Otto Addo and his technical staff will put together a formidable team that can guarantee qualifying; training will start in Accra prior to the team’s departure for Morocco.
The Black Stars are keen to make amends for losing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by securing a spot at the international event and winning back the trust of Ghanaian fans.
Due to safety concerns, Trump has threatened to move the 2026 World Cup matches.
Just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, US President Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty about the tournament’s hosting by stating that he will shift matches away from any American locations he deems unsafe.
In the 48-team event, which will also be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, the United States will host 78 of the 104 matches. Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle are among the eleven US cities that have been confirmed as locations. The final will also be held in the US.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump insisted safety would be paramount. “It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city,” he said. He singled out Democratic-run cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, both due to stage six matches, as well as Los Angeles, which is scheduled to host eight fixtures and the 2028 Olympic Games.
“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics, but for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it to go. We’ll move it around a little bit,” Trump added.
Whether the president has the power to impose such reforms is still up for debate. The tournament’s organization and host city selection are entirely under the purview of FIFA, the body that oversees world football. At this point, changing locations would provide significant logistical difficulties, such as stadium preparation, tickets, lodging, and broadcasting plans.
Nonetheless, Trump is presently the leader of the World Cup taskforce and has a tight relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, which may allow him some control over tournament scheduling.
The remarks highlight the political undertones of the competition, which is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever staged in North America. With just under a year to go before the opening match, questions now remain over whether Trump’s threat could reshape the tournament’s schedule.
Gary Neville, a former defender for Manchester United, has blasted Ruben Amorim for making poor decisions.
Gary Neville claimed that the manager looked foolish when the Portuguese chose to start a well-known midfielder like Mason Mount at right-back.
Neville expressed his deep concern for the manager after Sporting CP’s loss to Brentford, believing the former manager may soon lose his position.
The Red Devils legend told NBC, “There is no point in me sitting here and saying I’m not worried. I am very worried.”
“The levels of performance, the results and the substitutions [against Brentford]. I saw something at the end of the Grimsby game that they lost in the Carabao Cup a couple of weeks ago which was Mason Mount ending up at left wing-back
“We admire managers who are stubborn and resilient around their system, we want them to stick to their plan, but when you have Mason Mount playing at left-back you are going to look pretty stupid.
“It has happened twice now and it can’t happen. The first time I thought it was unforgivable and yesterday it happened again.
“He changes his back three and his back five every single game and the performances and the results are just unacceptable.
“I’m really, really worried. I would never go on television as I know how difficult a manager’s job can be and say a manager should be sacked, but I suspect the hierarchy at Manchester United are going to want to see a turnaround.”
Although there are issues with the Portuguese football system, the 40-year-old has stated that he will not alter his style regardless of the result.
Since joining the team in November 2024, Amorim has not won a straight game and recently stated that he does not care about being fired.
After six games, Manchester United is now in 14th place in the league table, having ended 15th the previous season.
The Boxing Interim Management Committee will be established by the Sports Ministry on Monday.
Following the dissolution of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) board last week, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation will officially launch a newly established Boxing Interim Management Committee (IMC) on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The event will take place in the Ministry’s conference room at 1:00 p.m.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams met with select IMC members, including boxing star Azumah Nelson, prior to the ceremonial unveiling.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), led the engagement, which was a prelude to the official opening.
The creation of the IMC stems from the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on March 29, 2025. In response, the Ministry commissioned an independent inquiry chaired by Rtd. Amarkai Amarteifio to investigate the incident and assess the wider challenges confronting professional boxing in Ghana.
The investigative committee later submitted a comprehensive 100-page report with recommendations aimed at strengthening safety protocols, improving discipline, and restoring integrity in the sport.
Addressing members of the IMC, Minister Adams commended them for accepting the mandate and emphasized the urgency of reforms.
“This normalisation process is not about personalities; it is about the future of our sport. We are determined to restore boxing to a state of professionalism, safety and international respect.”
He outlined priority areas for the committee, including the establishment of a Medical Commission, improved health records for boxers, enhanced medical protocols, and stricter doping controls in partnership with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).
The Minister urged the IMC to act swiftly, transparently, and impartially, with the expectation that organized boxing activity will resume before the end of the year.
The Ministry has also issued a formal white paper on the investigative report, which the IMC will be required to implement under ministerial supervision.
Bournemouth wins a late draw at Leeds thanks to a free kick from Antoine Semenyo.
In a thrilling match at Elland Road on Saturday, AFC Bournemouth defeated Leeds United in a late draw thanks to a goal from Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo.
In the 26th minute, Semenyo scored his fourth goal of the season by curling a fantastic free-kick past Karl Darlow.
But Leeds reacted quickly, and 10 minutes later, defender Joe Rodon headed home Sean Longstaff’s corner after goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was wrong-footed by a deflection.
Following the half, the home team took control, and Leeds took the lead for the first time in the 54th minute when Longstaff turned goalscorer with a brilliant volley from the edge of the area.
They looked set to claim all three points until stoppage time, when substitute Eli Junior Kroupi struck with a well-executed volley to rescue Bournemouth a share of the spoils.
The 2-2 result lifts the Cherries into third place, while Leeds remain mid-table in 11th.
Semenyo’s bright start to the season continues, with four goals and two assists in just six league appearances.
The 24-year-old is expected to feature again when Bournemouth host Fulham at the Vitality Stadium on Friday before linking up with the Black Stars for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
Ahead of the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month, Ghanaian defender Alidu Seidu says he is excited to rejoin the Black Stars.
The Rennes center-back has returned to club play after missing almost a year of international duty due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Seidu disclosed throughout his recuperation that he kept a close eye on Ghana’s qualifying campaign and rejoiced in the team’s valiant 1-0 triumph over Mali following the unfortunate 1-1 tie with Chad in September.
“I supported the Black Stars from afar. I was very happy when we beat Mali because they are a strong team with big talents. I hope to join the group as fast as possible for the last two matches,” Seidu told Flashscore.
He might make his international comeback in the October doubleheader against Comoros and the Central African Republic. “Playing for the national squad is a huge accomplishment. I would sacrifice everything for the squad if I could join them in October. “That’s my goal,” he declared.
Seidu is adamant about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. As everyone knows, Ghana is a major football-playing country. For Ghanaians as well as other players who couldn’t believe it, missing the 2025 AFCON was a letdown. We have to make it to the World Cup. We need patience because this team has a lot of young guys. In a few years, we’ll be very strong and difficult to beat.”
Florentino is made fun of by Vinícius Júnior on Real Madrid TV.
Even though manager Xabi Alonso occasionally benched the Brazilian winger, his explosive pace, brilliant dribbling, and improved finishing have made him invaluable.
Instead of deterring him, those experiences have just strengthened his resolve, and every appearance is evidence of his ability to start and win games.
His influence was evident during Madrid’s most recent La Liga victory over Levante, as he lighted up the Santiago Bernabéu with an incredible goal that was characterized by flair, pace, and clinical accuracy. It served as yet another reminder of his rising prominence as one of the team’s most dynamic players.
Speaking afterward to Real Madrid TV, Vinícius reflected on his scoring inspiration, pointing to veteran midfielder Luka Modrić: “Luka taught me how to score these goals, we miss him.” The comment, while respectful and nostalgic, resonated beyond its surface meaning. Many interpreted it as a subtle critique of president Florentino Pérez and the board, underlining the void left by Modrić’s looming departure. His vision, creativity, and guiding presence remain irreplaceable in the squad.
At Valdebebas, talk of Modrić’s exit has lingered for months, and Vinícius’s words gave voice to a sentiment shared by many inside the dressing room—that his influence is still deeply needed. The statement both honored a mentor and hinted at the importance of preserving Madrid’s creative heartbeat while supporting rising stars.
For Vinícius, these reflections tie into his wider ambition. At 25, he is intent on assuming a more central role in Alonso’s system, not just as a scorer but as a leader. His seamless link-up play, combined with decisive finishing, signals both maturity and readiness to take on greater responsibility in a demanding campaign.
As Real Madrid builds momentum, Vinícius’s mix of on-field brilliance and off-pitch candor is positioning him not just as a star forward, but as a voice shaping the club’s evolution and its future direction.
Kylian Mbappé’s electric start at Real Madrid has reached historic proportions, as the French superstar surpasses a benchmark once held by Cristiano Ronaldo, further cementing his place among the club’s elite.
The 26-year-old forward, now wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt, has quickly become indispensable under manager Xabi Alonso. The coach has shown unwavering faith in Kylian Mbappé, consistently starting him without rotation — a testament to his influence on the pitch.
Mbappé’s explosive pace, clinical finishing, and innate goal-scoring instincts have made him the undisputed leader of this new Madrid era. With each match, he earns thunderous ovations from the Santiago Bernabéu faithful, his performances sparking inevitable comparisons to his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Mbappé isn’t just echoing greatness — he’s beginning to surpass it.
“Mbappé isn’t just chasing the greats; he’s redefining the conversation around Real Madrid’s elite scorers,” a club insider told AS, capturing the growing sentiment around the Frenchman’s impact.
That sentiment was solidified during Real Madrid’s recent clash with Levante, where Mbappé netted twice — first from the penalty spot, then with a dazzling solo effort that left the goalkeeper stranded. The brace took his tally to 38 goals in his first 40 La Liga appearances, matching the legendary Ferenc Puskás for the fastest to that milestone in club history.
In doing so, Mbappé surpassed Ronaldo’s previous record of 37 goals in the same span, and eclipsed Alfredo Di Stéfano’s 36 — a feat that has sent shockwaves through the football world.
“It’s a testament to his clinical edge,” said Alonso after the match. “The Bernabéu erupts for these moments because they know history is being made.”
Speculation is now mounting over just how far Mbappé can go. COPE pundit Pedro Martín believes he could eventually challenge Ronaldo’s astonishing 450-goal haul for the club.
“He’s on a trajectory that could get him close to those numbers — his efficiency is off the charts,” Martín observed, while also acknowledging that such a journey is long and demanding.
Yet Mbappé’s impact goes well beyond his goal tally. His presence has transformed Madrid’s attacking rhythm, instilling fresh ambition and turning every fixture into a spectacle. Under Alonso’s guidance, he’s evolved tactically — balancing his attacking flair with defensive responsibility, unlocking even greater dimensions of his game.
Club president Florentino Pérez and the Madrid board are already reveling in the return on their marquee investment. Mbappé’s brilliance is fueling not just title hopes, but a new chapter of dominance.
Once seen as the heir to Ronaldo, Mbappé is now writing his own legend — one that could one day eclipse even the brightest names in Real Madrid’s storied history.
