2026 World Cup: Black Stars determined to beat Panama for Thomas Partey, says Kwasi Sibo

Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo says the Black Stars are determined to secure victory against Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a show of support for teammate Thomas Partey.

Partey will miss Ghana's Group L opener after his appeal against a visa denial to enter Canada was unsuccessful, ruling him out of the clash in Toronto.

The 33-year-old was expected to play a key role for the Black Stars at the tournament, and his absence has been felt within the squad.

However, Sibo believes the team is more motivated than ever to deliver a positive result for the experienced midfielder.

Speaking after training on Wednesday, Sibo said the entire squad remains united behind Partey during a difficult period.

"Our brother has been through a lot, and we are always with him," he said.

"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," Sibo added.

Ghana head into the tournament opener against Panama hoping to make a strong start and improve on their recent World Cup performances.

Following the Panama encounter, the Black Stars will face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before rounding off their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.

The four-time African champions are targeting a place in the knockout rounds for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.