Ghana are set to be without Thomas Partey for their first match of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Panama.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder was denied a Canadian visa ahead of this match due to his outstanding rape charges in the UK, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
He has been able to enter the United States for Ghana’s pre-tournament training camps in Washington DC and Providence, Rhode Island, but is not expected to travel to Toronto for this opening fixture despite reports suggesting his visa denial has been appealed.
Partey is a key figure in Ghana’s midfield, and his absence hands Carlos Queiroz a tricky selection decision after a fraught tournament build-up - he took control of the side barely two months ago and has had just one friendly to prepare.
In a warm-up friendly draw with Wales earlier this month, Quieroz paired Partey with Elisha Owusu in the middle of the park.
After an impressive showing off the bench in that match, replacing Owusu, Caleb Yirenkyi may well get the nod. He played just 30 minutes but scored the only goal of the game and was productive in the build-up, too.
Ghana were slightly goal-shy in Wales, but will benefit here from the added firepower of Manchester City star Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams, who should line up on the flanks with Jordan Ayew through the middle. The Black Stars’ captain endured a dismal season for Leicester but captains his nation and will keep his place.
There is competition in the No10 role with Mohammed Kudus also out, with Abdul Fatawu the most likely option there.
Lawrence Ati Zigi impressed in goal against Wales and should keep his place, but a porous back four may see some shuffling.
With Tariq Lamptey left out of the squad through injury, the veteran Baba Rahman may be recalled alongside Gideon Mensah in the full-back positions, with Jonas Adjetey of Wolfsburg and Jerome Opoku shoring up the central areas.
Ghana XI (4-2-3-1): Ati-Zigi; Rahman, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Owusu; Semenyo, Fatawu, Williams; Ayew
Injured: None
Unavailable: Partey
Time and date: 12am BST on Thursday, June 18, 2026
Venue: Toronto Stadium
How to watch: ITV1
