Thomas Partey Ruled Out of Panama Clash After Canada Visa Denial
Ghana’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into uncertainty after midfielder Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama.
The experienced midfielder will not be available for the Group L fixture in Toronto after his application to enter Canada was rejected, denying Ghana the services of one of its most influential players for a crucial opening encounter.
Partey had travelled with the Black Stars to the United States earlier this month and has been involved in preparations at the team’s training base in Rhode Island. However, he will be unable to make the trip across the border for the June 17 showdown at BMO Field.
FIFA confirmed the development in a statement, stressing that immigration decisions remain solely under the authority of host governments.
“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 is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
The setback leaves head coach Carlos Queiroz facing a significant selection challenge ahead of Ghana’s tournament opener, with Partey’s experience and leadership expected to have played a central role in the team’s plans.
The 32-year-old midfielder remains one of the Black Stars’ most accomplished internationals and was widely expected to be a key figure during the tournament.
Partey was charged by London’s Metropolitan Police in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to all charges later that year.
In February 2026, two additional rape charges were brought against him, to which he also entered not guilty pleas. The legal proceedings remain ongoing and no conviction has been recorded.
Canadian immigration guidelines state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain offences may be deemed inadmissible to the country, although immigration decisions are assessed by Canadian authorities.
Despite the disappointment, Ghana’s World Cup campaign will continue with two further group-stage fixtures after the Panama match. The Black Stars will face England in Boston on June 23 before concluding their Group L schedule against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Attention will now turn to how Queiroz reshapes his midfield plans as Ghana seek a positive start to a tournament that carries hopes of a first appearance in the knockout
