Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback at the eleventh hour after midfielder and vice-captain Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada, forcing him to miss the Black Stars' opening group match against Panama.
FIFA confirmed widely circulated report on Friday that Partey's visa application to Canada had been refused by Canadian authorities, blocking him from travelling from Ghana's base camp in the United States to Toronto, where the match is scheduled to take place.
While Canadian officials are yet to publicly disclose the exact reasons behind the decision, international media reports have linked the visa refusal to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Arsenal midfielder in the United Kingdom.
Partey is currently facing multiple charges of rape and sexual assault in England relating to alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022. The Ghana international has consistently denied all allegations and has pleaded not guilty to every charge. His legal representatives have maintained that he continues to cooperate fully with authorities.
Canada has some of the world's strictest immigration laws, particularly concerning individuals facing serious criminal charges abroad. Although Partey has not been convicted of any offence, immigration authorities in many countries reserve the right to deny entry to foreign nationals based on ongoing legal matters or concerns related to admissibility.
FIFA stressed that it has no authority over immigration decisions made by host nations. The football governing body stated that visa approvals and entry permissions remain the responsibility of the respective governments hosting tournament matches.
The decision means Ghana will be without one of its most experienced players for the crucial opener against Panama. However, Partey is expected to remain available for Ghana's subsequent matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, both of which are scheduled to take place in the United States.
The development has sparked debate among football fans, with some questioning whether sporting considerations should outweigh ongoing legal concerns, while others argue that host nations have the right to enforce their immigration policies.
For now, Ghana must prepare for its World Cup opener without one of its key midfield leaders as the Black Stars seek a strong start to their tournament campaign.
