World Cup 2026: Ghana launches diplomatic push to overturn Thomas Partey's Canada visa refusal 

Ghana has launched a diplomatic effort to overturn Canada's decision to deny Thomas Partey entry for the Black Stars' opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams confirming that the government is actively seeking a review of the decision.

Partey is set to miss Ghana's Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17 after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. FIFA has confirmed the midfielder cannot travel from Ghana's team base in Rhode Island to Canada, stressing that immigration decisions rest solely with host governments.

Canadian authorities have not officially disclosed the reason for the visa refusal. However, Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom on multiple rape charges, all of which he has denied through his legal representatives. The criminal proceedings remain ongoing.

Speaking on Citi FM's Eyewitness News, Adams said the government had activated diplomatic channels under the direction of President John Dramani Mahama.

"As has been indicated by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the mandate through his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that any Ghanaian touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it," Adams said.

"Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting them to review the decision that we think frowns on international law and conventions for which both Canada and Ghana are a party. So we have taken it at that level, and I hope and pray that they do what they must do, and do it right."

"We got a decision that he had been denied entry to Canada on very flimsy reasons. I say flimsy because the person had already been charged. He has not been found guilty."

Adams also questioned why Canada had taken a different approach when Partey has continued to travel internationally, including being granted entry into the United States for the World Cup.

"One is therefore surprised that Canada, which is so far away, will now apply rules to the extent that where somebody has just been merely charged, that person has been deemed guilty."

Partey remains available for Ghana's remaining Group L matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia. Both matches will be played in the United States after the US Customs and Border Protection department confirmed it was aware of the midfielder's pending legal case, but still granted him entry into the country.