Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after a Canadian court upheld his entry ban.

The Federal Court in Ottawa dismissed an appeal of Partey’s Temporary Resident Visa rejection, concluding several days of legal and diplomatic efforts by Ghana to secure his participation in the tournament opener.

During the hearing, Canadian government lawyers argued that Partey should not receive preferential treatment due to his status as a professional footballer, emphasizing that immigration laws apply equally to all applicants.

The 33-year-old was denied entry due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women.

The ruling is a setback for Ghana and head coach Carlos Queiroz, who had relied on the midfielder’s leadership and experience for the crucial Group L match against Panama in Toronto.

Although Partey cannot play in Canada, he is eligible to join the squad in the United States for Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches against England and Croatia.

His absence leaves the Black Stars without one of their most experienced players as they prepare for their fifth FIFA World Cup campaign, which begins against Panama at BMO Field on June 17.