Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after Canadian authorities reportedly refused his visa application, prompting diplomatic efforts by the Ghanaian government.
According to a report by The Athletic, FIFA confirmed that the 32-year-old will be unable to travel from Ghana’s base camp in the United States to Toronto for the Group L encounter on June 17. The governing body stressed that immigration decisions are made exclusively by host governments and fall outside FIFA’s authority.
“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 development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the midfielder in the United Kingdom, where he has been charged with several counts of rape and sexual assault. Partey has denied all allegations and is awaiting trial.
Meanwhile Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, says the government has engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities to seek a review of the decision.
“As has been indicated by His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, and the mandate through his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that any Ghanaian touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it. Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting them to review the decision,” Adams said on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News.
He maintained that Partey has not been convicted and described the grounds for the refusal as “flimsy”, expressing hope that Canadian authorities would reconsider their position.
Unless the decision is reversed, Ghana could be without one of its most experienced players for the opening Group L clash in Toronto.
