Ghana have been dealt a major blow ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada and will miss the Black Stars’ Group L clash against Panama.
The experienced midfielder, who currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal CF, was part of Ghana’s World Cup squad and had already joined the team’s preparations in the United States. Partey travelled with the Black Stars delegation to Washington, D.C. before linking up with the squad’s training camp in Rhode Island as preparations intensified for the tournament.
However, the 32-year-old will not be available for Ghana’s first fixture against Panama, scheduled for June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed the development and stressed that decisions regarding visas and entry into host countries fall solely under the jurisdiction of national governments.
The world football governing body explained that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s base camp in the United States to Canada for the match and reiterated that it does not intervene in immigration matters involving tournament hosts.
The absence of Partey represents a significant setback for coach Otto Addo, with the former Arsenal midfielder regarded as one of the team’s most influential and experienced figures heading into the competition.
The situation stems from ongoing legal proceedings involving the Ghana international in the United Kingdom. In July 2025, London’s Metropolitan Police charged Partey with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Further legal developments followed earlier this year when he was charged with two additional counts of rape. Partey again entered not guilty pleas, and the matter remains before the courts. No conviction has been recorded against the player.
Canadian immigration regulations state that foreign nationals who have committed or been convicted of certain criminal offences may be deemed inadmissible to the country, although individual cases are assessed by immigration authorities.
Despite the setback, Ghana must quickly turn their attention to their World Cup campaign, which begins against Panama in Toronto. The Black Stars will then return to the United States for a highly anticipated encounter with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group-stage schedule against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
With Partey unavailable for the opener, attention will now turn to Ghana’s midfield options as the four-time African champions seek a positive start to their World Cup journey.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Sylvester Ntim
