Ayew confident Black Stars will shine at World Cup as Partey misses opening fixture
By Joel Masibo, June 13, 2026Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will deliver a performance worthy of the nation’s expectations when they compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even though they face a challenging group-stage assignment.
Addressing supporters during a farewell gathering before the team traveled from Alexandria, Virginia, to Rhode Island in the United States, Ayew said the players are fully focused on securing positive results in Group L.
The Leicester City attacker acknowledged the difficulty of facing strong rivals such as Panama, England, and Croatia but maintained that Ghana possesses the determination to compete successfully.
“We have three massive games for us, and we want to make you guys proud; we want to make Ghana proud,” said the Leicester City forward.
Ayew recognized that the tournament will present significant challenges but stressed that the backing of Ghanaians could inspire the team to achieve its objectives.
“Obviously, it’s not going to be easy, but with your prayers and support, hopefully, we’ll be successful,” added the Ghana captain.
The Black Stars arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, on Friday, June 12, 2026, as they entered the final stretch of preparations for their World Cup campaign.
According to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), head coach Carlos Queiroz and his players are scheduled to return to training on Friday as they continue refining tactics and fitness ahead of their opening fixture.
The 2026 tournament marks Ghana’s fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage. The West African nation previously featured in the World Cup editions of 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their finest achievement remains the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Ghana will begin their Group L journey against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, before facing England and Croatia in their remaining first-round matches.
Partey misses opening fixture
Meanwhile, midfielder Thomas Partey will not feature in his country’s opening FIFA World Cup fixture against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities declined to grant him entry into the country.
The 32-year-old midfielder has denied all allegations against him, having entered not guilty pleas to seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge linked to claims made by four women concerning incidents alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.
His court case is scheduled to be heard next year.
In an official statement on Friday, June 12, 2026, FIFA announced that the ex-Arsenal midfielder, currently playing for Spanish club Villarreal, cannot make the journey from Ghana’s training camp in Boston because his “visa application refused by the Canadian government”.
The global football body further stated: “Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.
“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Information published on the Canadian government’s website notes: “If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” It said.