World Cup 2026: Kwasi Sibo promises victory for embattled Thomas Partey ahead of Panama clash

Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo insists the Black Stars are poised to win their first game at the World Cup for Thomas Partey. 

Partey will miss Ghana's opening game against Panama after losing his appeal following his visa entry denial by Canada's immigration.

The Vilarreal man could not travel with the Black Stars to Toronto, but Sibo who was expected to partner him in midfield at the tournament, believes the team is united for the beleaguered former Arsenal man.

"Our brother has been through a lot and we are always with him. He is one of the biggest stars in our team but for that we have to make sure we win the game for him as a family and make him happy because he has been with us from the first day we started this campaign. It hurts that we are playing our first game, and he's not with us. We are giving him our word," he said after training on Wednesday in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will return to the United States after their opener to face England in Boston on June 23. The team will finish their group matches with a game against Croatia in Philadelphia.

The Black Stars will be hoping to advance to the second round after recent failures at major tournaments.