Partey out as Panama face Ghana in Group L opener

Panama vs Ghana: the opener is Wednesday

It is here. Panama face Ghana on Wednesday at Toronto Field in the Group L opener, kick-off 20:00 Brasília time (1) (10). The two sides have never met before (7). Carlos Queiroz takes charge of his fifth consecutive World Cup, and Panama's first match in a group that also includes England and Croatia.

Partey out: visa denied, Ghana lose their anchor

Thomas Partey will not play. The Ghana midfielder's visa application for Canada was rejected, and FIFA confirmed the appeal failed (2) (3) (8). Partey was denied entry over a legal case dating back to 2025 (3) (9). He is stuck at Ghana's Boston training base while his teammates travel without him (2). That is Ghana's most experienced midfielder gone.

Ghana are favorites, but the door is open

The prediction briefs all lean Ghana, but with a caveat. Kudus, Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, and Inaki Williams still give Ghana plenty of firepower, even without Partey (6). Ghana are the favorites (6). But nobody is calling it comfortable, and Panama come in off a 7–1 win in their pre-tournament friendly that stands as the biggest margin of the competition so far.

A first World Cup win is on the table

Predictions count for nothing. Panama have waited their entire history for this moment. Queiroz has walked this stage four times before. Wednesday is not about being favorites, it is about showing up against a Ghana side missing its midfield general and taking something from the game.