Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities denied his visa application, preventing him from travelling to Toronto for the Black Stars’ clash against Panama.
Gatekeepers News reports that FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, United States, to Canada for the June 17 fixture. The world football governing body stressed that it has no role in immigration decisions made by host countries and that visa approvals remain the responsibility of national authorities.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who plays for Villarreal CF and previously featured for Arsenal FC, is currently with Ghana’s squad in Boston and remains eligible to participate in the team’s other group-stage matches against England and Croatia, both of which will be played in the United States.
Reports indicate that Canada’s decision is linked to the legal case facing the player in the United Kingdom. Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations he has denied. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial.
Before FIFA’s confirmation, Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, had said he was unaware of any visa denial involving the midfielder. However, FIFA later confirmed that the Canadian government had refused the application, effectively ruling Partey out of Ghana’s tournament opener against Panama.
The development is a significant blow to Ghana’s preparations, with Partey regarded as one of the team’s most experienced players heading into the World Cup.
