2026 World Cup: Carlos Queiroz must build Black Stars midfield around Thomas Partey – Godwin Attram

Former Ghana international Godwin Attram has advised Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz to structure his midfield around Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama.

The Black Stars will begin their campaign at BMO Field on June 17, with expectations high as Ghana seeks to make a strong start in a challenging Group L that also features England and Croatia.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Attram stressed that Partey's influence on the team will largely depend on how he is utilised by the coaching staff. The former midfielder believes the Villarreal star should be freed from excessive defensive responsibilities and allowed to dictate play from central areas.

According to Attram, the ideal solution would be to partner Partey with an energetic box-to-box midfielder capable of covering large areas of the pitch.

"The coach should pair him with an athletic, box-to-box midfielder who can cover ground," Attram said.

"That would allow Partey to operate between the defensive and attacking lines, helping the team build from the back while also protecting the defence."

The former Black Stars midfielder also highlighted Partey's leadership qualities and experience, insisting the midfielder remains one of Ghana's most important players heading into the tournament.

"He is an experienced player and a strong personality. If things do not go well initially, he has the quality and character to respond."

Attram, who captained Ghana's Black Starlets to the final of the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Cup, also expressed concerns about Ghana's build-up play following their recent friendly against Wales.

"One concern from the Wales game was our build-up play," he said. "Too often, the goalkeeper went long instead of initiating attacks through the back line."

Drawing comparisons with Wales' approach, Attram praised the opposing goalkeeper's involvement in possession phases and urged Ghana to adopt a similar strategy.

"If you watch Wales, their goalkeeper regularly stepped into the build-up phase, almost like a libero."

Attram believes Partey could be central to solving those issues by acting as the link between defence and attack.

"Partey can help solve that problem," Attram explained. "He should be responsible for linking play, screening the defence and cutting out dangerous passes."

Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and faces a difficult path to the knockout stages. After taking on Panama, the Black Stars will meet England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.

Under Queiroz's leadership, Ghana will be aiming to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.