Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz may give teenager Caleb Yirenkyi a surprise start in the Black Stars’ first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama on June 17 after Thomas Partey was forced to miss the game.
Partey will not play in the Group L opener after being denied a visa to enter Canada. This leaves Queiroz with an important decision to make in central midfield before Wednesday’s match in Toronto.
The 20-year-old Yirenkyi has become one of the top options to replace the experienced midfielder after impressing during Ghana’s preparations for the World Cup.
The FC Nordsjælland youngster strengthened his chances with an excellent performance in Ghana’s friendly win over Wales. He scored on his senior debut and stood out with his energetic display in midfield.
His strong runs forward, calmness on the ball, and desire to push the team ahead have made him a good option for Queiroz as Ghana aim to start the tournament with a positive result.
Yirenkyi is expected to play alongside either Kwasi Sibo or Elisha Owusu in midfield, with Queiroz deciding which combination will give the team the best balance between defence and attack against Panama.
Sibo offers strength, energy, and ball-winning ability, while Owusu brings experience, discipline, and good passing. This gives the Ghana coach different choices depending on how he wants the team to play.
Even though he is still young, Yirenkyi has shown maturity beyond his age and could now get one of the biggest chances of his career on football’s biggest stage.
The Black Stars see the match against Panama as a very important game before taking on England and Croatia in their other Group L matches.
With one of Ghana’s senior players unavailable, Yirenkyi now has the opportunity to show his talent to the world and fight for a regular place in the Black Stars midfield.
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