World Cup 2026: Thomas Partey remains focused on Ghana despite Canada visa denial

Thomas Partey has remained fully focused on supporting Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign despite being ruled out of the Black Stars' opening match against Panama following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.

Despite the disappointment, Partey has remained composed and committed to the team's objectives, continuing to work with the squad from its base in the United States.

The 32-year-old is expected to stay with the Black Stars as they prepare for their remaining group stage fixtures, with his attention now turning to Ghana's matches against England and Croatia.

FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey remains eligible to feature in both games because they will be played in the United States, where the midfielder has no travel restrictions.

His absence from the Panama fixture is nevertheless a major setback for coach Carlos Queiroz, who had expected one of his senior leaders to play a key role in the opening match. While Ghana's tactical approach was not built solely around Partey, the experienced midfielder is one of the team's captains and an influential figure both on and off the pitch.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the reason for the visa refusal.

Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all the allegations through his legal representatives, and the criminal proceedings remain ongoing.

The Black Stars will now begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most experienced players before facing England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Should Ghana qualify for the knockout stage as runners-up in Group L, they would return to Canada for the Round of 32, meaning the visa issue could become relevant again later in the tournament.