Ghana Gears Up for 2026 World Cup: From Thomas Partey’s Injury Concerns to the Hunt for a Global Anthem

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Ghana’s preparations are facing a significant hurdle as midfield anchor Thomas Partey deals with a muscle injury. The Villarreal player sustained the injury during a recent club match and was subsequently omitted from his side's victory over Athletic Bilbao. Medical assessments indicate a recovery period of several weeks, raising urgent concerns about his fitness for the tournament, especially given his history of recurring muscle issues. This news comes as fellow Black Stars standout Kudus Mohammed also manages an injury, placing the national team’s medical and technical staff on high alert as they look to field their strongest squad for the expanded 48-team competition.

Beyond the pitch, the Ministry of Sports is spearheading an ambitious cultural campaign to unify the nation and project Ghana’s identity globally. Sports Minister Kofi Adams has confirmed that the ministry is currently reviewing submissions for an official World Cup anthem, aiming for a global hit comparable to Shakira’s 'Waka Waka.' This musical search is part of a broader collaboration between the sports and creative arts sectors, involving top entertainers and government agencies like the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and the Cocoa Board. The goal is to leverage the World Cup as a platform to promote Ghanaian tourism, entertainment, and economic potential on the world stage.

Media and logistical preparations are also gathering momentum. The Multimedia Group has unveiled a comprehensive programming lineup for the tournament, featuring a dedicated team of seven journalists and specialized segments across JoyPrime, Joy FM, and Hitz FM. These include 'World Cup Minute' and 'Destination 2026,' designed to provide fans with consistent analysis and breaking news. Additionally, a major partnership between Wanderlust Ghana, StarOil, and SIC Insurance has been established to power a World Cup roadtrip, aimed at enhancing fan engagement and demonstrating corporate support for the Black Stars' journey.

As Ghana fine-tunes its domestic strategy, the broader West African region is celebrating a historic milestone with Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup qualification. The 'Blue Sharks' topped their group ahead of Cameroon, a feat highlighted by the story of Dublin-born defender Roberto Lopes, who joined the squad after a chance LinkedIn message from the coach. While Cape Verde prepares for its Group H debut against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, the focus for Ghana remains a delicate balance of player recovery, national branding, and mobilizing the support of the entire nation for what promises to be a historic tournament.