Thomas Partey to Miss Ghana’s World Cup Opener After Canada Visa Refusal
Thomas Partey to Miss Ghana’s World Cup Opener After Canada Visa Refusal
Thomas Partey to Miss Ghana’s World Cup Opener After Canada Visa Refusal
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will be unavailable for the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his visa application to enter Canada was reportedly rejected by Canadian authorities.
Partey, a former Arsenal F.C. player, is currently awaiting trial in London after pleading not guilty to multiple rape charges.
Ghana are scheduled to face Panama national football team on Wednesday, June 17, in Toronto as part of their Group Stage campaign. The Black Stars are also drawn alongside England national football team, with their clash against England set to take place in the Boston area of the United States.
Although Partey has already been with the Ghanaian squad at their team base camp in Boston, he will be unable to travel to Canada for the opening fixture due to the visa refusal.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the development, stating that the world football governing body is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries and that decisions regarding visa approvals rest solely with national authorities.
“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 spokesperson said.
The official added that, as with previous FIFA tournaments, host governments retain the authority to determine who is granted entry visas and admitted into their countries.
The absence of Partey is expected to be a significant setback for Ghana as they prepare to begin their World Cup campaign against Panama. While the midfielder remains eligible to stay with the team in the United States, his participation in future matches will depend on travel requirements and any subsequent immigration decisions by the relevant authorities.
Thomas Partey to Miss Ghana’s World Cup Opener After Canada Visa Refusal
