Black Stars vice-captain Thomas Partey will be available for Ghana’s Round of 32 clash against Colombia after the team’s third-place finish in Group L ensured their knockout fixture would be staged in the United States, avoiding travel restrictions linked to Canada.
Ghana’s progression to the next stage of the tournament has removed earlier uncertainty surrounding Partey’s availability for knockout matches, particularly those scheduled in Canada, where he had previously been denied entry due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Ahead of Ghana’s final Group L match against Croatia, concerns had emerged that a second-place finish could have sent the Black Stars to Toronto to face Portugal, a scenario that would have ruled Partey out of the fixture due to immigration restrictions.
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The midfielder was initially unavailable for Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama after Canadian authorities denied him entry over his pending legal case in the UK, where he faces multiple charges. He has denied the allegations and maintains his innocence. An appeal by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) was unsuccessful, preventing his participation in matches played in Canada.
Despite the off-field uncertainty, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz remained focused on qualification, urging his side to concentrate on results rather than potential knockout permutations.
Ghana eventually fell 2-1 to Croatia in Philadelphia but secured third place in Group L, advancing to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. The result sets up a knockout tie against Group K winners Colombia in Kansas City.
The draw means the Black Stars avoid another fixture in Canada and ensures Partey remains eligible for selection in a crucial knockout encounter.
The experienced midfielder featured in the defeat to Croatia after returning from earlier travel and legal complications that had kept him out of the opening match against Panama. His presence is expected to be key as Ghana prepares for a high-intensity encounter with a strong Colombian side.
Ghana, represented by the Ghana national football team, will now look to rely on Partey’s experience and midfield control as they aim to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since their historic quarterfinal run in 2010.
They will face the Colombia national football team in Kansas City, with confidence boosted by the availability of one of their most influential players at a decisive stage of the tournament.