Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz is considering handing midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi a place in the starting line-up for the Black Stars‘ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after Thomas Partey was ruled out of the fixture.
The Group L encounter in Toronto has taken on added significance for Ghana, who view the match as a vital step in their bid to progress from a section that also features England and Croatia.
Queiroz has been forced to reassess his midfield options after Partey became unavailable for the opening game. The experienced midfielder will miss the clash after being unable to secure entry into Canada, leaving Ghana without one of its most established players for the start of the tournament.
As a result, attention has turned to 20-year-old Yirenkyi, who has enhanced his prospects of selection through a series of strong displays during the team’s preparations for the World Cup.
The FC Nordsjælland player further strengthened his case in Ghana’s pre-tournament friendly victory over Wales. Making his senior debut, Yirenkyi scored and delivered a performance that highlighted his energy, confidence and ability to influence proceedings from midfield.
His displays have reportedly impressed Ghana’s technical staff, who have taken note of his movement, composure on the ball and capacity to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Those qualities have made him one of the leading candidates to fill the gap left by Partey’s absence.
If selected, Yirenkyi could be tasked with a significant role in the centre of the park against Panama. He is expected to partner either Kwasi Sibo or Elisha Owusu as Queiroz seeks the right balance between creativity, defensive solidity and control.
Both players offer different attributes. Sibo provides physicality, industry and ball-winning ability, while Owusu brings international experience, tactical understanding and distribution skills. Their contrasting strengths give the Ghana coach several options as he finalises his plans for the opening fixture.
Despite being among the youngest members of the squad, Yirenkyi has shown a level of maturity that has caught the attention of the coaching staff. His performances during the build-up to the tournament have suggested he could be capable of handling the pressure of a major international occasion.
The possibility of starting in a World Cup match represents a remarkable opportunity for the young midfielder, who only recently made his senior debut for Ghana.
For the Black Stars, the Panama game is viewed as a crucial contest in determining their prospects of advancing from Group L. With challenging matches against England and Croatia also to come, securing a positive result in their opening fixture could prove decisive.
With Partey unavailable, Yirenkyi now finds himself on the verge of a defining moment in his career. Should Queiroz place his trust in the youngster, the midfielder will have the chance to announce himself on football’s biggest stage and play a key role in Ghana’s World Cup ambitions.
