World Cup 2026 blow: Thomas Partey ruled out of Ghana’s opener after Canada entry refusal

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback after midfielder Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars’ opening Group L encounter against Panama following the refusal of his application to enter Canada.

The former Arsenal midfielder, now with Villarreal, had been named in Ghana’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico and travelled with the team to Washington D.C. on June 4 before joining the squad’s training base in Rhode Island.

However, Ghana will be without one of their most experienced players when they take on Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field on Wednesday, June 17.

FIFA confirms Canada’s decision

A FIFA statement confirmed that the world governing body had no authority over immigration decisions taken 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 development leaves Ghana facing a difficult opening assignment without a player who has remained a key figure in the national team setup.

Legal case remains ongoing

Partey, 32, 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 those charges in September that year.

He was subsequently charged with two additional counts of rape in February this year and again entered not guilty pleas in April. The case remains before the courts and Partey has not been convicted.

According to guidance published on the Canadian government website, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”

Focus shifts to the remaining fixtures

After the Panama encounter, Ghana’s World Cup campaign continues with a high-profile clash against England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before the Black Stars conclude their Group L fixtures against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.

Whether Partey becomes available for those matches remains unclear, with the Ghana Football Association and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada yet to publicly comment on the matter.