Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major blow after influential midfielder Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars’ opening Group L fixture against Panama following the rejection of his visa application by Canadian authorities.
The experienced midfielder, who recently joined Spanish side Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, was named in Ghana’s 26-man squad for the tournament and travelled with the team to the United States on June 4. Partey has since been training with the squad at their base camp ahead of the competition.
However, the 32-year-old will not be available when Ghana face Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field on Wednesday, June 17, after being denied entry into Canada.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed the development and clarified that it has no jurisdiction over immigration decisions made by host nations.
“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 absence of Partey represents a significant setback for head coach Otto Addo, with the midfielder remaining one of Ghana’s most experienced and influential players despite recent off-field challenges.
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 in September 2025.
The former Arsenal star was later charged with two additional counts of rape in February 2026 and again entered not guilty pleas when he appeared in court in April. The legal proceedings remain ongoing, and Partey has not been convicted of any offence.
Canadian immigration guidelines state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain criminal offences may be deemed inadmissible to the country, although authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the decision regarding Partey’s application.
Ghana will now have to navigate a crucial opening fixture without one of their key midfield leaders as they seek a positive start to their World Cup campaign.
Following the Panama clash, the Black Stars will return to the United States for a highly anticipated showdown against England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before concluding their Group L campaign against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.
With qualification to the knockout stages at stake, Ghana will be hoping the absence of Partey in their tournament opener does not derail their ambitions on football’s biggest stage.
