Thomas Partey to miss Ghana’s World Cup opener after Canada denies visa application

Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama after being denied entry to Canada
FIFA confirmed the decision rests with Canadian authorities and is outside its control
The midfielder is expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group matches in the United States

Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities denied his visa application, dealing a significant blow to the Black Stars ahead of their clash with Panama in Toronto.

The 32-year-old midfielder had been expected to play a key role in Ghana’s Group L campaign, but FIFA confirmed on Friday that he would be unable to travel from the team’s base in the United States to Canada for the tournament opener.

“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,” FIFA said in a statement.

The governing body stressed that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host nations.

“As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

Partey’s absence is a major setback for Ghana as they prepare to begin their World Cup campaign. The former Arsenal midfielder remains one of the most experienced players in the squad, having earned 57 international caps and featuring in the team’s final warm-up match against Wales earlier this month.

The visa refusal comes as Partey continues to face legal proceedings in England. He has been charged by London’s Metropolitan Police with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His trial, originally scheduled to begin later this year, was postponed last month and is now set to start on June 8, 2027, at Southwark Crown Court.

Canadian authorities reiterated that World Cup hosting duties do not alter the country’s immigration policies.

“Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians,” a statement issued on behalf of Immigration Minister Lena Diab said.

“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”

“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”

Partey was travelling back to Rhode Island on Friday after learning of the decision and will remain in the United States while Ghana prepare for their first group-stage fixture.

Despite missing the Panama match, Partey is expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining World Cup games. The Black Stars face England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 23 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Ghana have yet to comment publicly on the decision, while FIFA has maintained that visa matters fall solely under the jurisdiction of the host country’s government.

For Ghana, the focus now shifts to finding a solution in midfield as they attempt to start their World Cup campaign on a positive note without one of their most influential players.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.