Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after reportedly being denied a visa to enter Canada.
According to a report by The Athletic, FIFA has confirmed that Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana’s training base in the United States to Toronto for the Group L fixture on June 17 because Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.
In a statement quoted by The Athletic, FIFA said immigration decisions fall exclusively under the authority of host governments and are beyond the control of football’s governing body.
“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, June 17, following the refusal of his visa application by the Canadian government,” the statement said.
FIFA further noted that it plays no role in the processing or approval of visas, stressing that host nations retain full authority over entry decisions.
The reported visa refusal comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the 32-year-old midfielder in the United Kingdom. Partey has been charged by the Metropolitan Police with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. He has denied all allegations and is awaiting trial.
Ghana are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto before returning to the United States for their remaining Group L matches against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Canadian immigration authorities have not publicly commented on the case, citing privacy regulations. Under Canadian immigration laws, individuals may be denied entry based on admissibility requirements, including certain criminal-related considerations.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Ghana Football Association nor Canadian immigration officials had issued a detailed public statement on the matter.
Partey’s absence would be a significant setback for Ghana, depriving the Black Stars of one of their most experienced players ahead of a crucial opening match in their quest for a strong start at the tournament.
