Ghana’s Black Stars receive a major boost as Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey returns to the national team ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Partey, who has an impressive record of seven goals in eight World Cup qualifiers, last featured for the Black Stars in October 2023. His return comes after a consistent run of performances for Arsenal in their last 12 league matches.
The 30-year-old’s experience and goal-scoring prowess will be key for Ghana as they look to navigate through the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign. The Black Stars will first face Mali on June 6, 2024, at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako before returning home to take on the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium four days later.
Ghana’s qualifying campaign got off to a shaky start with a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar followed by a 1-0 defeat to Comoros. Currently in fourth place in Group I, the Black Stars are three points behind leaders Comoros. With Partey back in the mix, Ghana will be aiming to turn their fortunes around and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
