Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Panama after being denied entry to Canada.
The Black Stars of Ghana start their World Cup campaign Wednesday in Toronto, but Partey, 32, will not be present after the Canadian government denied his visa application.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a trial has been set for November this year, although it could be delayed until 2027.
Thomas Partey will miss Ghana opening match at the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
A statement from FIFA read: “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.”
Partey played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2025 and is currently at Villarreal. He has 57 caps for Ghana and featured in their last warmup match against Wales on June 2.
However, he will not be available as Ghana prepares to travel from its Rhode Island base to Canada.
