Ghana fans rally behind Black Stars despite Partey absence
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds of supporters welcomed Ghana's squad to Toronto ahead of its World Cup opener against Panama.
- Midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the match after Canadian authorities denied his visa application.
- Ghana begins its fifth World Cup appearance under veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, who is managing at a record-equalling fifth consecutive tournament.
Supporters pack Toronto hotel to welcome team ahead of World Cup opener against Panama
Ghana's World Cup campaign received an early boost from supporters as hundreds gathered in Toronto to welcome the Black Stars ahead of their opening match against Panama.
Fans waving Ghanaian flags lined the entrance of the team's hotel on Tuesday, cheering, applauding and filming the arrival of players and coaching staff as excitement built ahead of Wednesday's Group L clash.
"It's very nice to see everybody come together as a community. It's very nice seeing a lot of Ghanaians in one spot. You know, it's very good that we stand together," one supporter said.
The warm reception came as Ghana prepared to begin its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance under veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz.
The Black Stars will, however, start the tournament without midfielder Thomas Partey after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
FIFA confirmed that Partey was unable to travel from Ghana's base in Boston to Canada but stated that immigration decisions were the responsibility of the host country's authorities.
Partey faces seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge in Britain over alleged offences between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty. His trial, originally scheduled for November 2026, has been postponed until June 2027.
The former Arsenal midfielder, now with Villarreal, remains eligible to join the squad when Ghana returns to the United States for group-stage matches against England and Croatia.
Ghana's best World Cup performance came in 2010 when the team reached the quarter-finals before losing to Uruguay in a penalty shootout.
Queiroz, appointed in April, is taking charge of his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, matching the record held by Bora Milutinovic.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
