Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities refused his visa application, FIFA confirmed on Friday.
The 32-year-old Villarreal player, who is based with Ghana’s squad at their training camp in Boston, will be unable to travel to Toronto for the Group L clash against Panama at BMO Field on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” a statement from FIFA read.
The governing body stressed it has no role in the process.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country,” the statement continued.
Although FIFA did nit state the reasons for the refusal, reports indicate the visa refusal is linked to rape and sexual assault allegations against Partey in the UK dating back to 2020-2022, which he has denied and for which he awaits trial.
The midfielder however remain eligible to play Ghana’s subsequent group matches on the U.S. soil.
Ghana’s sports minister, Kofi Adams, had earlier said he was unaware of any visa issues for Partey when reports first surfaced.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has not issued an immediate public comment on the development.
Partey, a key figure in the Black Stars’ midfield, was named in coach Carlos Queiroz’s squad on the presumption of innocence.
His absence represents a significant blow to Ghana as they face debutants Panama in their first World Cup match since 2022.
FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States have emphasized strict adherence to immigration and security protocols for all participants.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
