World Cup 2026: Ghana forced to tinker with starting line-up for Panama clash after Thomas Partey denied Canada visa

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz will be forced to adjust his starting line-up for the Black Stars' opening match against Panama after Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Group L fixture following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.

The experienced midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Toronto after the Canadian government denied him entry, leaving the Black Stars without one of their senior leaders for a match regarded as vital to their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Partey had been expected to play a key role in Ghana's midfield, bringing his experience, leadership and composure to one of the team's biggest matches of the tournament. The 32-year-old is also one of the captains in Carlos Queiroz's squad, and his absence leaves a significant gap both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

His unavailability now forces Queiroz to rethink his midfield options just days before Ghana begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.

FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey's visa application had been refused by the Canadian government, preventing him from travelling to Canada for the tournament opener. The governing body also reiterated that immigration matters are solely the responsibility of host governments.

Neither FIFA nor Canadian authorities have disclosed the reason for the visa refusal.

Despite missing the Panama encounter, Partey remains available for Ghana's remaining Group L fixtures against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, as both matches will be played in the United States.

The Black Stars could also return to Canada if they finish second in Group L and qualify for the Round of 32, meaning the visa issue could become significant again later in the competition should it remain unresolved.

For now, Queiroz must find a way to replace one of his most experienced midfielders as Ghana seek a winning start to their World Cup campaign against Panama.