Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a big setback after midfielder Thomas Partey was ruled out of their opening Group L match because his visa application to enter Canada was rejected.
The situation means the Black Stars will be without an important player for their match against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 17. It also creates a new problem for coach Carlos Queiroz, who was expecting to rely on the 32-year-old’s experience and leadership in midfield.
Partey had already joined the squad in the United States for the final stage of preparations. He spent time with the team at their training base in Rhode Island after first arriving in Washington, D.C., as Ghana stepped up preparations for the tournament.
However, those plans changed when Canadian immigration authorities rejected his request to enter the country. As a result, he will not be able to travel to Toronto for the opening match.
FIFA confirmed the situation and explained that it does not take part in visa decisions made by host countries. The organisation said each government has full control over who can enter its country.
FIFA also stated that Partey would not be allowed to travel from Ghana’s camp in the United States to Canada for the match because the final decision belongs to Canadian authorities.
Inside the Ghana camp, the news has caused concern because Partey is one of the team’s most experienced and important players. His ability to control games, stop attacks, and stay calm under pressure has made him a key part of Ghana’s midfield for many years.
His absence means Queiroz must change his plans before a match many see as very important to Ghana’s hopes of reaching the next round. The coach now has to find a replacement who can provide similar control and leadership in midfield.
The situation is made more difficult by the legal case involving Partey in the United Kingdom. In July 2025, he was charged by London’s Metropolitan Police with several counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Partey has denied all the allegations.
He later faced additional charges earlier this year and again pleaded not guilty. The case is still ongoing, and no conviction has been recorded.
Under Canadian immigration rules, some people may be refused entry if they meet certain criminal criteria, although each case is considered separately by the authorities.
For Ghana, the timing of this setback is especially difficult. The team arrived at the tournament hoping to build on a strong qualification campaign and the confidence created under Queiroz.
The opening match against Panama is seen as a very important test, with a good result expected to help build momentum before more difficult matches later in the group.
After playing Panama, Ghana will face England in Boston before ending their group-stage campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Even without Partey, Ghana will still hope to compete strongly, but his absence makes an already difficult World Cup challenge even tougher as the team prepares to start the tournament without one of its most experienced leaders.
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