2026 World Cup: Thomas Partey will be the difference-maker against England – Akwatia MP, Bernard Bediako Baidoo
Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has expressed confidence that deputy captain Thomas Partey could be the key figure for Ghana when the Black Stars take on England in a crucial Group L fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Partey was absent for Ghana’s opening match against Panama, where the Black Stars recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory, after Canadian authorities denied his visa application due to pending criminal charges against the midfielder.
The 33-year-old later attempted to challenge the decision through an emergency application, but the Canadian Federal Court upheld the visa refusal, ruling that he would remain unavailable.
Speaking on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, Baidoo stressed the importance of Partey to the national team, arguing that Ghana missed his experience, composure and influence in midfield during the victory over Panama.
The lawmaker believes the midfielder’s presence could make a significant difference as Ghana prepare for a daunting test against one of the tournament favourites.
“Thomas Partey will be the difference-maker against England; he’s fired up and ready to take control of the game,” Baidoo said.
Ghana currently occupy second place in Group L, behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
The Black Stars will face the Three Lions at Gillette Stadium on June 23 in a high-stakes encounter before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia four days later.
With three points already secured, coach Carlos Queiroz and his side will be aiming to sustain their positive start and boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time since their historic quarter-final run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.