2026 World Cup: Partey to miss Ghana opener after Canada visa denial

Ghana have been dealt a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada following the rejection of his visa application.

The decision not to grant him visa means Partey will miss Ghana’s first Group L match against Panama on June 17, 2026.

FIFA confirmed that the midfielder is unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston, United States to the Canadian host city for the fixture after Canadian immigration authorities refused his visa application.

The world football governing body also clarified that it has no role in immigration decisions taken by host nations, stressing that admission into a country remains the responsibility of sovereign governments.

Partey’s absence leaves the Black Stars without one of their most experienced players for the crucial opening group-stage encounter.

The travel restriction comes amid an ongoing criminal case involving the 32-year-old midfielder in the United Kingdom.

• 2026 World Cup: Partey to miss Ghana opener after Canada visa denial
• June 12: Kila calls for Democracy Wall honouring 1,000 heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle
• Elon Musk becomes world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX IPO
• Tinubu, Ibadan is angry! by Festus Adedayo 
• I don’t believe Abiola was poisoned — Abdulsalami

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women over alleged incidents said to have occurred in London between 2020 and 2022.

He remains on conditional bail and is permitted to travel internationally provided authorities are notified.

The player’s trial at London’s Southwark Crown Court has been delayed and is scheduled to begin in June 2027.

While he cannot enter Canada, Partey remains eligible to stay in the United States because he holds a valid American visa.

That means he could still feature in Ghana’s remaining group matches against England on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June, both of which will be played in the United States.

Ghana will now begin their World Cup campaign against Panama without their star midfielder as they seek a positive start to their group-stage campaign.

Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp

[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']