World Cup 2026: Ghana takes Thomas Partey visa fight to Canadian court

The Government of Ghana has escalated its efforts to overturn Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey entry into the country by pursuing a court review, as the Black Stars prepare for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports from Ghanaian sports journalist Godfred Akoto Boafo, a court hearing is currently underway in Canada as Ghana attempts to challenge the visa refusal through legal channels.

The hearing represents the latest step in Ghana’s push to secure Partey’s availability for Wednesday’s Group L clash against Panama in Toronto.

Sources close to the matter are said to be optimistic that the appeal could produce a favourable outcome, although preparations for the tournament are continuing regardless of the verdict.

Visa refusal sparks diplomatic dispute

Partey was denied entry into Canada on Friday despite being part of Ghana’s World Cup squad.

The midfielder remains at the Black Stars’ base camp in Boston after Canadian authorities refused his application under the country’s immigration laws.

The 33-year-old is due to stand trial after being charged by London’s Metropolitan Police with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The decision triggered a swift response from the Ghanaian government, which described Canada’s actions as “high-handed and extremely unfair.”

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that while Ghana respected Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration regulations, relying on charges that have not resulted in a judicial determination raised “fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.”

The ministry added that it was pursuing diplomatic engagement with Canadian authorities and urged them to reconsider the decision in light of the “significant national and global sporting considerations at stake.”

Sports minister questions decision

Sports Minister Kofi Adams also criticised the visa refusal, arguing that criminal charges should not be treated as proof of guilt.

“If any Ghanaian is touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it,” Adams told Channel One TV.

“We think it’s appropriate to get the appropriate authorities to review this decision. We’ve taken it to that level, and we hope and pray that they do what they must do.”

Adams further questioned why Canadian authorities had acted against a player who continues to live and work freely in the United Kingdom while awaiting trial.

“This is absolutely wrong,” he said. “I don’t understand why today Canada is interpreting their rules to suggest that a charge means guilty.”

Black Stars continue preparations

Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding one of their most experienced players, Ghana’s World Cup preparations have proceeded as planned.

The Black Stars held a training session before departing for Canada and are scheduled to train again upon arrival in Toronto ahead of their opening fixture.

With most tactical sessions taking place behind closed doors, Carlos Queiroz’s plans in the event of Partey’s continued absence remain unclear.

However, midfielders Caleb Yirenkyi and Elisha Owusu are among the players expected to shoulder greater responsibility should the appeal fail.