World Cup 2026: Thomas Partey ruled out of Ghana opener after court upholds Canada entry ban

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not be joining the Black Stars in Canada after a Federal Court judge upheld the decision to deny him entry into the country ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening game against Panama on Wednesday.

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday following a hearing in which Partey’s legal team sought to overturn a visa refusal that had prevented the former Arsenal midfielder from travelling to Toronto to link up with the Ghana squad.

The 33-year-old had hoped the appeal would clear the final hurdle standing between him and participation in Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

However, the court’s decision means Partey remains unable to enter Canada, dealing a significant blow to the Black Stars on the eve of their opening Group L match against Panama.

Partey’s visa application was rejected by Canadian authorities due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The midfielder has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of assault involving four women over alleged incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with a trial scheduled for later this year.

The Ghana international had remained hopeful of receiving a favourable ruling, with support from both the Government of Ghana and the country’s diplomatic representatives in Canada.

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams had previously expressed confidence that the matter could be resolved in time for Partey to participate in the tournament.

The midfielder’s absence leaves head coach Carlos Queiroz without one of his most experienced players for Wednesday’s clash against Panama at BMO Field.

Partey was expected to play a key role in Ghana’s midfield as the four-time African champions seek to make a strong impression at the World Cup.

With the legal avenue now exhausted, attention will shift to how Ghana adapts without its vice-captain as the Black Stars prepare for crucial group-stage encounters against Panama, England and Croatia.

The decision brings an end to days of uncertainty surrounding Partey’s availability and confirms that, for now, he remains unable to join his teammates in Canada.