World Cup 2026: Thomas Partey available for Colombia as Ghana avoid Canada in knockouts

Black Stars vice captain Thomas Partey will be available for Ghana's Round of 32 clash against Colombia after the Black Stars' third-place finish in Group L ensured their knockout tie would be played in the United States rather than Canada.

Before Ghana's final group match against Croatia, there had been uncertainty over Partey's availability beyond the group stage. Had the Black Stars finished second in Group L, they would have been scheduled to face Portugal in Toronto, where the midfielder would have been unable to play because Canadian authorities had denied him entry into the country earlier in the tournament.

Partey was initially ruled out of Ghana's opening World Cup match against Panama after Canadian immigration authorities denied him entry because of his ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom, where he faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. An appeal by the Ghana Football Association was unsuccessful, meaning he was unable to feature in matches played in Canada.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding a possible return to Toronto, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz insisted before facing Croatia that his players were focused solely on securing qualification rather than calculating potential knockout opponents or venues.

The Black Stars eventually lost 2-1 to Croatia in Philadelphia, finishing third in Group L. However, they progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams and were paired with Group K winners Colombia in Kansas City.

The outcome means Ghana avoid another trip to Canada and will have Partey available for one of their biggest matches of the tournament.

The experienced midfielder featured in the defeat to Croatia after returning from the legal and travel issues that forced him to miss the opener against Panama. His presence in midfield is expected to be crucial against a Colombian side that finished above Portugal to top Group K.

Ironically, had Ghana secured second place instead of third, they would have faced Portugal in Toronto without one of their most influential players. Instead, the Black Stars will take on Colombia in Kansas City with Partey eligible for selection.

His availability gives Queiroz another experienced option as Ghana seek to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since their memorable run to the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Cup.

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