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World Cup 2026: Why Ghana’s finishing position could determine Thomas Partey’s knockout involvement
Ghana's final Group L match against Croatia could have major implications beyond qualification, with the Black Stars' finishing position potentially determining whether Thomas Partey is available for the Round of 32.
As things stand, Ghana are second in Group L and would advance as runners-up if they avoid defeat against Croatia on Saturday.
That scenario would set up a Round of 32 meeting with Portugal, who currently occupy second place in Group K. The match would be played in Toronto, Canada, on July 3.
However, Toronto is the very city where Partey was unable to enter for Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama after Canadian authorities denied him entry because of his ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom.
If Ghana finish second and the knockout match remains scheduled in Canada, the midfielder’s availability would immediately become a major talking point.
The situation could be very different if Ghana finish elsewhere in the group.
Should the Black Stars somehow top Group L, they would instead be drawn against one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in Atlanta on July 4. Based on the current standings, that opponent could be a side such as Cape Verde or Algeria.
A first-place finish would also ensure the knockout fixture is played in the United States, where Partey has already been granted entry and is currently participating in the tournament.
There is also a third scenario.
If Ghana lose to Croatia but still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, they would be routed into a Round of 32 tie in Kansas City against the winners of Group K. At present, that would be Colombia, although Portugal could still take top spot depending on the outcome of their final group match.
That fixture would also be played in the United States, meaning Partey’s participation would not be affected by the Canadian visa issue.
The result is a fascinating subplot heading into the final round of Group L matches.
Finishing second would ordinarily be viewed as a successful outcome, but it could create a significant selection headache if Ghana are paired with Portugal in Toronto.
For Carlos Queiroz and the Black Stars, qualification remains the immediate priority. Yet with the knockout bracket beginning to take shape, where Ghana finish in Group L could prove almost as important as whether they qualify at all.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
