Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is set to miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after reportedly being denied entry into Canada.
According to a report by The Athletic, FIFA has confirmed that Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base in the United States to Toronto for the Group L fixture scheduled for June 17 because his visa application was refused by Canadian authorities.
In a statement cited by The Athletic, FIFA said immigration decisions remain the sole responsibility of host governments and are outside the jurisdiction of world football’s governing body.
“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.
FIFA added that it is not involved in visa adjudication processes and that host countries ultimately determine who is admitted into their territory.
The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the 32-year-old midfielder in the United Kingdom. Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial.
The Black Stars are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto before travelling to the United States for their remaining group matches against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Canadian immigration authorities have not publicly commented on Partey’s specific case, citing privacy regulations.
However, Canada’s immigration rules provide that individuals may be denied entry under certain admissibility requirements, including issues relating to criminal matters.
Neither the Ghana Football Association nor Canadian immigration officials had publicly issued a detailed statement on the matter at the time of reporting.
The situation means Ghana could be without one of its most experienced players for a crucial opening encounter as the Black Stars seek a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
