Ghana could be without one of its most experienced players when the Black Stars begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after midfielder Thomas Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada.
According to reports by The Athletic, the 32-year-old will miss Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama on June 17 after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
FIFA confirmed the development in a statement, explaining that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston, United States, to Toronto, where the match is scheduled to take place.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the statement said.
The world football governing body noted that immigration and visa decisions fall solely under the authority of host governments and are beyond FIFA’s control.
The situation comes as Partey continues to face legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. The former Arsenal midfielder has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police. He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty, with his trial still pending.
Ghana will face Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field before returning to the United States for their remaining group-stage matches against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Canadian immigration authorities have not publicly commented on Partey’s case, citing privacy regulations. However, the country’s immigration laws allow officials to deny entry to individuals who do not meet admissibility requirements, including matters relating to criminal proceedings.
Neither the Ghana Football Association nor Canadian immigration officials had issued a detailed public statement on the matter at the time of reporting.
Partey’s absence would be a significant setback for the Black Stars as they seek a positive start to their World Cup campaign, with the experienced midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s ambitions at the tournament.
