Ghana have suffered a significant setback ahead of their opening World Cup match after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada and will miss the Black Stars’ clash against Panama in Toronto.
The 32-year-old Villarreal player had been preparing for the tournament with Ghana’s squad in the United States after being granted entry into the country on June 4. However, he will not be able to travel to Canada for the Group L encounter scheduled for Wednesday.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey’s visa application had been rejected by Canadian authorities, leaving Ghana without one of their most experienced players for their first match of the tournament.
In a statement, football’s governing body stressed that immigration decisions are entirely the responsibility of host nations.
“Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the organisation said. “As with previous Fifa events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Partey’s absence comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The former Arsenal midfielder was charged by the Metropolitan Police in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was later charged with two additional counts of rape in February and again entered not guilty pleas.
The Ghana international joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth approximately £45 million in 2020 before leaving the Premier League club and moving to Spanish side Villarreal last year.
Canada’s immigration department declined to comment directly on Partey’s case but reiterated that all visa applications are assessed under the country’s immigration laws.
In a statement, officials said decisions are made consistently regardless of an applicant’s nationality, public profile or involvement in major sporting events.
The department added that immigration officers are trained professionals responsible for determining eligibility and admissibility under Canadian regulations.
Despite missing the Toronto fixture, Partey remains with Ghana’s squad in the United States and could potentially be available for future matches played on American soil.
Ghana’s World Cup campaign begins against Panama before a highly anticipated showdown with England in Boston on June 23. England open their tournament against Croatia on the same day Ghana face Panama.
The loss of Partey for the opener represents a major blow to Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz, who had hoped to rely on the experienced midfielder’s leadership and international pedigree as the Black Stars attempt to progress from a challenging group.
Whether Partey will be available for the remainder of the tournament will depend on future travel requirements and any further developments regarding his immigration status.
