FIFA has confirmed that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his visa application to enter Canada was denied.
In a statement released on Friday, the world football governing body said Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base in Boston, USA, to Toronto for the Group L fixture against Panama on Wednesday, June 17.
“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 statement said.
FIFA clarified that it does not play any role in the immigration processes of host nations, including visa decisions, noting that such matters are determined solely by the host government. The organisation advised that further inquiries be directed to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Despite the setback, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining group matches, both of which will be played in the United States. The Black Stars will face England in Boston on June 23 before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Partey is currently involved in ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he has been charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all allegations through his legal representatives, and the case is still before the courts.
