World Cup 2026: Thomas Partey to know Canada fate today as court hearing set for 1pm Ghana time

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to learn his immediate World Cup fate on Tuesday as a Canadian Federal Court hears his appeal against a visa denial that has prevented him from joining the Black Stars camp ahead of their opening match against Panama.

The hearing is scheduled for 9:00am local time in Canada, which corresponds to 1:00pm Ghana time, with Ghanaian football fans anxiously awaiting the outcome.

Partey has been unable to enter Canada after authorities denied him a visa due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The 33-year-old has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of assault involving four women over alleged incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due to stand trial later this year.

The former Arsenal midfielder is seeking to overturn the decision through the Canadian courts in a move that could clear the way for him to join the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana's Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, recently confirmed that both the government and Ghana's diplomatic mission in Canada have been assisting Partey in his efforts to secure entry into the country.

Partey's absence has been a major concern for coach Carlos Queiroz, with the experienced midfielder considered a key component of Ghana's plans for the tournament.

The Black Stars vice-captain was not part of the squad that arrived in Toronto to complete preparations for Wednesday's Group L opener against Panama at BMO Field.

Should the court rule in his favour, Partey is expected to travel immediately to Toronto and could become available for selection ahead of Ghana's World Cup curtain-raiser.

Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in what promises to be a fiercely competitive Group L.

The court's decision later today is therefore set to have significant implications for both Partey and Ghana's hopes at the FIFA World Cup.