Carlos Queiroz stands by Thomas Partey for the 2026 World Cup as Ghana navigates a squad reshuffle following key injuries in defense and attack.

The selection of a World Cup squad is often a blend of tactical necessity and moral weighing, and Carlos Queiroz has made his stance clear. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, now plying his trade with Villarreal in La Liga, has been confirmed as a central pillar of Ghana’s campaign for the 2026 tournament. The 32-year-old remains the vice-captain of the Black Stars, despite the looming shadow of a trial scheduled for next year regarding multiple allegations of sexual assault. For the Ghana FA, the decision is one of solidarity, with President Kurt Okraku insisting that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with their veteran midfielder.

The Decision to Stand by Partey

In the high-stakes world of international football, Thomas Partey’s availability has always been a point of contention, usually due to his injury record. However, the current situation is far more complex. Having pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, the midfielder is continuing his professional career while his legal team prepares for court proceedings in 2027. Queiroz, a manager known for his pragmatic and disciplined approach to squad management, appears to have prioritised Partey’s on-field influence over the potential distractions of his off-field situation.

Partey’s experience is undeniable. With over 160 appearances for Arsenal and a successful transition to Spanish football, he remains one of the most technically gifted holding midfielders in the game. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match will be vital for a Ghana side that often relies on quick transitions. The Ghana FA’s public backing of the player suggests a desire to maintain squad unity above all else, ensuring that the vice-captain’s role as a leader in the dressing room remains intact as they prepare for a difficult group stage in North America.

Defensive Blows and Tactical Reshuffles

While the midfield remains anchored by Partey, the Ghanaian defense has suffered a significant setback just weeks before the tournament opener. Alexander Djiku, a mainstay in the backline, has been ruled out of the finals after picking up a hamstring injury during Spartak Moscow’s victory in the Russian Cup final. Djiku’s absence leaves a void in terms of both physicality and leadership at the heart of the defense. To fill this gap, Queiroz has turned to Derrick Luckassen, the Netherlands-born defender who only recently made his international debut in March.

Luckassen’s inclusion is part of a broader strategy to integrate dual-nationality players into the Black Stars setup. The defender, currently playing in Cyprus, brings a different profile to the backline—one that is perhaps more comfortable on the ball than the more traditional Djiku. However, the lack of familiarity between Luckassen and his defensive partners like Alidu Seidu and Abdul Mumin will be a major concern for Queiroz. With matches against high-calibre European and North American opposition on the horizon, the defensive coordination must be refined quickly during their training camp in Wales.

The Premier League Core and Attacking Options

Despite some high-profile absences, Ghana’s squad remains heavily influenced by the English game. Antoine Semenyo, who secured a high-profile move to Manchester City, arrives at the World Cup as one of the most in-form African forwards in Europe. His ability to lead the line with power and pace will be Ghana’s primary weapon. Alongside him, the Leicester City duo of Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku provide both veteran savvy and youthful exuberance on the flanks. Ayew’s work rate and experience in major tournaments remain invaluable for a side that needs defensive discipline as much as attacking flair.

The inclusion of Brandon Thomas-Asante from Coventry City also highlights Queiroz’s willingness to look beyond the top-flight for hungry, physical attackers. Thomas-Asante has been a revelation in the Championship, and his direct style could offer a useful Plan B when games are deadlocked. In goal, the selection of Joseph Anang from St Patrick’s Athletic represents one of the more unique paths to a World Cup squad, with the League of Ireland keeper being one of the three chosen to guard the net. This blend of elite experience and underdog ambition defines the current character of the Black Stars.

The Absence of Mohammed Kudus

Perhaps the most significant blow to Ghana’s tactical plans is the confirmed absence of Mohammed Kudus. The Tottenham winger has been sidelined since January with a persistent quad injury, and his failure to recover in time for the final selection is a massive loss for the tournament as a whole. Kudus was expected to be the creative hub of this team, the player capable of producing a moment of individual brilliance to unlock rigid defenses. Without him, the creative burden falls more heavily on the likes of Ernest Nuamah and Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Queiroz will likely have to shift his tactical approach to a more collective offensive effort rather than relying on Kudus’s individual dribbling and vision. This could lead to a more conservative Ghana, one that focuses on defensive solidity and utilizes the pace of Semenyo on the counter-attack. The manager’s history with Iran and Portugal suggests he is more than comfortable coaching a side that thrives on being difficult to beat, but the lack of a genuine number ten in the squad remains a glaring issue that opponents will look to exploit.

The Road Ahead: Group L Challenges

Ghana’s campaign begins in Toronto against Panama, a match that is widely seen as a must-win if they are to have any hope of progressing. Panama are known for their physical resilience and will likely set up to frustrate the Black Stars. Following the opener, the difficulty level ramps up significantly as they head to Boston to face England. This fixture will be a homecoming of sorts for many of the UK-based players in the squad, but they will be heavy underdogs against a Three Lions side that is among the favourites for the title.

The group stage concludes in Philadelphia against Croatia, a team that has consistently over-performed at the last two World Cups. The battle in midfield between Thomas Partey and the Croatian maestros will likely decide the fate of Group L. For Queiroz and his men, the goal is clear: navigate the controversy and the injuries to reach the knockout rounds. If they can find a way to maintain defensive cohesion without Djiku and find a creative spark without Kudus, the Black Stars could once again become the surprise package of the tournament. more football news on MATCHLINE