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FIFA approves new rules to speed up games ahead of the 2026 World Cup

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FIFA approves new rules to speed up games ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA announced a number of rule modifications intended to expedite games and reduce time-wasting. The changes include replacements, restarts, injury protocols, and the use of VAR during the event, which takes place from June 11 to July 19.

The new regulations stipulate that players who are substituted must exit the field within ten seconds; if they do not, their replacement must wait a minute to join.

Goal kicks and throw-ins are now limited to five seconds, and if they take too long, the other team will get possession. Players who are receiving medical attention on the field are required to leave right away and are only permitted to return after play has restarted for one minute.

VAR oversight will also expand, allowing referees to review incidents involving second yellow cards and clear errors on corner kick decisions, reinforcing accuracy in critical moments.

The 2026 World Cup will be historic in several ways. It will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

Mexico becomes the first country to host three men’s World Cups, while Canada will host for the first time. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever.

The United 2026 bid secured hosting rights over Morocco at the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, returning the tournament to its traditional summer schedule after Qatar’s 2022 edition took place in November and December.

New entrants expected to make their debut include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, while defending champions Argentina aim to retain their title.

Ghana will compete in its fifth World Cup, beginning its Group L campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

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Black Stars

2026 World Cup: I am confident Black Stars will beat Panama – Ex-GFA Veep George Afriyie

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2026 World Cup: I am confident Black Stars will beat Panama - Ex-GFA Veep George Afriyie

George Afriyie, a former vice president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), is confident that the Black Stars would defeat Panama in their first World Cup match.

This summer, Ghana will play their first match at the Mundial against the Central American team on June 17. They will next play England on June 23 and conclude their Group L matches against Croatia on June 27. Mr. Afriyie emphasized in an interview with Graphic Sports that the Black Stars must defeat Panama to get their tournament off to a strong start. “I think we’ll defeat Panama.

The first game is crucial, and I assure you that we have the best chance against Panama among our group opponents,” he stated.

“We all know England and Croatia are ahead of us in terms of FIFA rankings, but national team football is quite tricky,” Afriyie added.

As part of their build-up, the Black Stars will face Austria and Germany later this month, before matches against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2.

After group-stage exits in both 2014 and 2022, the Black Stars are determined to deliver a stronger, more competitive performance on North American soil.

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Black Stars

Prince Adu and Kamaldeen Sulemana Poised for Black Stars Return Ahead of Friendlies

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Prince Adu and Kamaldeen Sulemana Poised for Black Stars Return Ahead of Friendlies
Prince Adu and Kamaldeen Sulemana Poised for Black Stars Return Ahead of Friendlies

Ghana could see the return of Prince Adu and Kamaldeen Sulemana to the Black Stars squad as the team gears up for international friendlies later this month.

Reports indicate that head coach Otto Addo has included both players in preparations for matches against Austria on March 27 and Germany three days later. The official squad list is yet to be released.

Adu, representing FC Viktoria Plzen, has caught the eye of the technical team with his impressive displays this season. The young forward has netted seven goals across 35 appearances, showcasing the form that earned him previous national team call-ups. Adu made his Black Stars debut during the Kirin Cup in Asia, performing notably against Japan and South Korea.

Meanwhile, Atalanta’s winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is also set for a recall. The attacker, who has scored twice in 21 outings this season, continues his bid to regain a regular spot in the national setup.

Their inclusion signals that both Adu and Sulemana remain integral to Otto Addo’s long-term vision as Ghana looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where they are set to face Panama, Croatia, and England in the group stage.

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Football World

Ghanaian youngster Kelvin Ansah Frimpong joins Norwegian top division outfit Viking FK

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Ghanaian youngster Kelvin Ansah Frimpong joins Norwegian top division outfit Viking FK

Kelvin Ansah Frimpong, a teenage player from Ghana’s African Vikins Academy, has signed a long-term contract that would keep him with the Norwegian top-flight team Viking FK until 2030.

The 18-year-old winger signed the contract after making an impression during a trial period with the Eliteserien squad in Stavanger. The club’s technical team was impressed by his speed, attacking desire, and technical skill.

After growing at the African Vikins Academy before joining Viking to play football in Europe, Frimpong’s move represents a significant turning point in his young career.

Speaking after the announcement, Viking sporting director Erik Nevland expressed delight over securing the promising Ghanaian talent.

Ghanaian youngster Kelvin Ansah Frimpong joins Norwegian top division outfit Viking FK

“Kelvin has come in with great energy and shown qualities that we like. He is a player with a lot of speed and offensive drive, and we see exciting development potential in him,” Nevland said.

Frimpong also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to begin his professional career in Norway.

“This is a great opportunity for me. I am very grateful for the chance Viking is giving me, and I look forward to working hard for the club and the supporters,” he said.

The move represents a new chapter for the young winger as he transitions from academy football in Ghana to the competitive environment of the Norwegian top flight.

Viking have in recent years intensified their focus on recruiting and developing young talents, both locally and internationally, and the signing of Frimpong underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing promising players for the future.

Frimpong will now integrate into the Viking squad as he continues his development with the Stavanger-based side.

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Ghana Sports

Karim Zito: I consider myself very successful with Asante Kotoko

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Karim Zito: I consider myself very successful with Asante Kotoko

Despite difficulties, former Asante Kotoko coach Karim Zito has called his time with the team a great success. Midway through the 2024–2025 football season, the seasoned trainer took over as interim coach in lieu of Prosper Narteh Ogum.

The team won the FA Cup, Toyota Cup, President Cup, and Champion of Champions under Zito’s leadership. Before the current 2025–2026 football season began, the former Black Satellites was confirmed as the team’s head coach.

However, Zito quit his position after they were eliminated from the FA Cup after losing to Aduana FC at home. Reflecting on his spell at the club, Zito, speaking to Akoma FM, said, “Winning four cups in just 43 days is not an easy task.

“At the end of the day, I consider myself very, very successful with Kotoko. It wasn’t easy, but we made it happen,” he added.

Prince Yaw Owusu is currently serving as the interim coach of Asante Kotoko.

Following his exit from Kotoko, Karim Zito has been appointed as the head coach of the lower-tier side, AshantiGold 04.

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Football World

Achraf Hakimi equals Osei Kuffour’s Champions League appearance record for African defenders

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Achraf Hakimi equals Osei Kuffour’s Champions League appearance record for African defenders

Achraf Hakimi, a Moroccan international, has made history in the UEFA Champions League by matching veteran Ghanaian defender Samuel Kuffour’s long-standing appearance record.

With 72 games in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back now holds the record for the most appearances made by an African defender in the competition.

The French powerhouses easily defeated Chelsea 5-2 in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match on Wednesday night thanks to the brilliant play of the enterprising defender.

Years of consistency at the top level of European football have led to Achraf Hakimi’s incredible milestone. Since making his debut as a player, the Moroccan star has frequently appeared in the Champions League.

Throughout his career, Achraf Hakimi has featured in the competition with several top clubs across Europe. He first gained experience in the tournament with Spanish giants Real Madrid before continuing his development during a successful spell with Borussia Dortmund in Germany. The defender later played in the competition with Italian champions Inter Milan and is currently a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain in France.

His rise has been marked by pace, technical quality, and an ability to influence matches from the right flank. Known for his relentless runs forward and defensive reliability, Hakimi has become an integral part of PSG’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

Matching the record previously set by Kuffour further highlights the significance of Hakimi’s achievement. The Ghanaian legend built his legacy with German powerhouse Bayern Munich during the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of Africa’s most respected defenders. Kuffour famously played a crucial role in Bayern’s triumph in the 2001 UEFA Champions League final, cementing his place in African football history.

By equaling Kuffour’s record of 72 appearances, Hakimi joins an exclusive group of African players who have consistently competed at the very top level of European club football.

At just 26 years old, the Moroccan still has plenty of years ahead of him, meaning he is well-positioned not only to break the record outright but also to set a new benchmark for future African defenders in the Champions League.

The milestone underscores Hakimi’s growing legacy and reinforces his status as one of the most influential African footballers of his generation.

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Black Stars

2026 World Cup: Don’t underrate Panama – Laryea Kingston cautions Black Stars

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2026 World Cup: Don't underrate Panama - Laryea Kingston cautions Black Stars

Despite popular belief that Panama is an underdog, former Ghanaian international Laryea Kingston has advised the Black Stars to approach all of their 2026 World Cup opponents cautiously.

Ghana will participate in the summer event co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico after being placed in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia.

Prior to the international competition, Kingston emphasized in an interview with Graphic Sports that familiarity with some teams shouldn’t lead to complacency.

With the exception of Panama, we are fairly familiar with our adversaries. I believe we are quite conscious of England. Many people disregard Panama, but in my opinion, they are the most significant adversary,” he stated.

“We see England and Croatia over and over again, playing every week. But the Panama team are players that we are unaware of. They will be a thorn in our flesh. I know most people see them as the underdogs, but I think they will be the most difficult match,” Kingston added.

Kingston’s warning highlights the need for Ghana to prepare thoroughly for each fixture, balancing attention between established football powerhouses and lesser-known teams that could surprise on the world stage.

The Black Stars will kick off their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

Preparations include a March training camp featuring friendlies against Austria and Germany, followed by a final warm-up against Mexico in May. Throughout the tournament, Ghana will be based at Bryant University in the United States.

After exiting at the group stage in both 2014 and 2022, the team will be aiming for a stronger, more competitive performance in North America.

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Football World

“Dressing room feels like a “funeral”—Inaki Williams laments Athletic Bilbao’s Copa del Rey semifinal exit

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“Dressing room feels like a "funeral"—Inaki Williams laments Athletic Bilbao’s Copa del Rey semifinal exit

In his reflections on Athletic Bilbao’s Copa del Rey elimination, Ghanaian international Iñaki Williams acknowledged that the atmosphere in the dressing room was like a funeral after their semifinal loss to fierce Basque rivals Real Sociedad.

In the Basque derby’s second leg, which took place at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on Wednesday night, the Black Stars forward started and gave it his all as Athletic Bilbao lost by a slim margin.

Williams’ team was already behind after losing the first leg at San Mamēs Stadium last week before the pivotal match. As a result, Real Sociedad advanced to the championship final with a 2-0 aggregate victory.

Speaking after the match, Williams could not hide his disappointment, expressing the emotional toll the defeat had taken on the squad. “The dressing room feels like a funeral; we are hurting. It hurts because they are our eternal rivals and because we were not at our usual level.”

Williams, who is the captain of Athletic Bilbao admitted the team’s performance fell short of expectations and acknowledged the pain of missing out on a place in the final.

Williams also described the current campaign as a difficult one for the club, citing inconsistent performances that have made the season more challenging than anticipated.

“The season is proving how difficult it is for us, and our fans deserved a little joy,” he added.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will face Atletico Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey, scheduled for April 18, 2026.

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Black Stars

Thomas Partey struggles for form and game time at Villarreal amid legal case

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Thomas Partey struggles for form and game time at Villarreal amid legal case

Since joining Villarreal CF in the summer of 2025 when his contract at Arsenal expired, Thomas Partey has had difficulty regaining his best form.

The goal of the Ghanaian midfielder’s free transfer was to bolster Villarreal’s midfield. He has, however, struggled to get consistent playing time due to fierce rivalry within the team.

Partey has appeared in 16 La Liga games this season, however he has only started seven of them, coming off the bench nine times. For a player who was once renowned for his control and influence in midfield, he has yet to record a goal or assist, which is indicative of a challenging campaign.

Thomas Partey struggles for form and game time at Villarreal amid legal case

The 32-year-old built his reputation as a commanding presence during spells with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. At Villarreal, though, he has often been overlooked in favour of other midfield options, including Pape Gueye, who has been preferred by coach Marcelino García Toral in several matches.

Away from the pitch, Partey is also dealing with an ongoing legal case in England. In August 2025, he was charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, allegations he denies.

The case has since expanded with two additional counts of rape relating to another alleged victim. While it remains unclear how much the off-field situation has affected his performances, the circumstances have added further scrutiny to a challenging season for the Ghana international.

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Black Stars

I won’t be surprised to see Andre Ayew in Ghana’s World Cup squad – Sports Minister Kofi Adams

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I won't be surprised to see Andre Ayew in Ghana's World Cup squad - Sports Minister Kofi Adams

Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, says he won’t be shocked if legendary forward Andre Ayew is included in the Black Stars team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. He maintains that the seasoned forward is still a competitive player.

In an interview with Adom FM, the Minister admitted that Ayew’s ongoing participation in club football maintains him firmly in contention, even though the technical team has the final say over selection.

“I believe he is also picking up. Adams told Adom FM, “I won’t be shocked to see him in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup once he hasn’t retired and is still playing actively.”

However, he was quick to stress that the final call lies with the Black Stars head coach.

“However, it is the responsibility of the coach to decide whether to invite him or not,” he added.

Ayew, Ghana’s most capped player and former captain, has been a central figure for the national team over the past decade, featuring at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and representing the country at the FIFA World Cup.

His leadership and experience have often been cited as key assets within the squad, particularly during transitional periods.

The 36-year-old forward has faced increased competition from emerging talents in recent years, leading to debates among fans and pundits about his role in the team’s future.

Nonetheless, his recent performances at club level appear to have reignited discussions about a potential return to the global stage.

Since signing for NAC Breda in the winter transfer window, the experienced forward has made eight appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie with remarkable performances.

With Ghana pushing to secure qualification and build a competitive squad for the Mundial, the possibility of Ayew’s inclusion is likely to remain a talking point in the months ahead.

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