Thomas Partey Ruled Out of Ghana’s World Cup Opener After Canada Entry Denial

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into Canada.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal player, who currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal, will be unavailable for Ghana’s Group L clash against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 17 after Canadian authorities reportedly refused his visa application.

According to a statement cited by The Athletic, FIFA confirmed that Partey would not be permitted to travel from Ghana’s training base in the United States to Canada for the fixture.

“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 further explained that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host governments and are outside the jurisdiction of world football’s governing body.

The reported visa refusal comes as Partey faces ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. The Ghana international has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. His case is expected to be heard at Southwark Crown Court in London.

Canadian immigration regulations provide that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain offences may be deemed inadmissible to the country. However, Partey has not been convicted and is currently awaiting trial.

Despite being unable to feature in the match against Panama, Partey remains eligible to play in Ghana’s remaining group-stage fixtures in the United States. The Black Stars are scheduled to face England in Boston on June 23 before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Partey was included in Ghana’s World Cup squad earlier this month and joined his teammates in the United States ahead of the tournament. His absence from the opening game represents a significant setback for the Black Stars, who will be without one of their most experienced midfielders for a crucial encounter.

Neither the Ghana Football Association nor Canadian immigration authorities had publicly provided detailed comments on the matter at the time of reporting. Canadian officials have previously stated that immigration assessments are conducted in accordance with national laws and that decisions are made independently based on admissibility requirements.

The development has generated widespread international attention as Ghana prepares to begin its World Cup campaign without one of its key players.