Ghana’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a heavy hit, as star midfielder Thomas Partey has been sidelined from the Black Stars’ crucial Group L opener against Panama after his entry application to Canada was denied.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who currently plays for Villarreal, was included in Ghana’s World Cup squad and traveled with the team to the United States, joining the squad’s training base in Rhode Island after arriving in Washington, D.C., on June 4.
This means the Black Stars must take on Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 17 without the steady presence of one of their most seasoned leaders.
In a statement, FIFA clarified that visa and immigration matters remain the sole responsibility of host governments and fall outside FIFA’s jurisdiction.
“FIFA can confirm that Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for Ghana’s opening match against Panama on June 17 after his visa application was denied by Canadian authorities,” the statement said.
“FIFA has no involvement in immigration or visa approval processes. As with previous tournaments, the host country retains the final authority regarding visa issuance and entry into its territory.”
This setback forces Ghana into a tough tournament opener, leaving them without a player who has long been the heartbeat of their national squad.
Partey, 32, was charged by London’s Metropolitan Police in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, charges to which he pleaded not guilty. He was later charged with two additional counts of rape in February 2026 and again entered not guilty pleas. The matter remains before the courts, and no conviction has been recorded.
Canadian immigration guidelines state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain offenses may be deemed inadmissible and denied entry into the country.
Following the Panama fixture, Ghana will continue their World Cup campaign against England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before concluding their Group L matches against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.
