World Cup 2026: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz suffers major setback as Thomas Partey loses Canada appeal

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has been dealt a major blow ahead of the Black Stars' opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Thomas Partey lost his appeal against Canada's decision to deny him entry into the country.

The Canadian court's ruling means Partey will play no part in Wednesday's Group L clash against Panama in Toronto, depriving Queiroz of one of his most experienced players for Ghana's tournament opener.

The Portuguese coach had remained hopeful throughout the legal process, insisting during his pre-match press conference that he had prepared for every possible outcome while awaiting the court's decision.

"We are waiting for a decision. When the decision comes, we are ready to make the final approach to the game," Queiroz said on Tuesday.

However, the ruling now forces the Ghana coach to reshuffle his midfield just hours before kickoff.

Partey's legal team had challenged Canada's refusal to grant him a Temporary Resident Visa after immigration authorities deemed him inadmissible because of the ongoing criminal proceedings against him in the United Kingdom.

During the hearing, lawyers representing the Canadian government argued that Partey should not receive special treatment because he is a professional footballer and maintained that Canadian immigration laws apply equally to everyone.

The court ultimately ruled in favour of the immigration authorities, bringing an end to days of legal and diplomatic efforts by the Ghanaian government to secure the midfielder's availability.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women in the United Kingdom.

His absence is a significant setback for Ghana as Queiroz prepares to begin his first World Cup campaign in charge of the Black Stars. The 33-year-old was expected to anchor the midfield against Panama before Ghana face England and Croatia in their remaining Group L fixtures.

While Partey misses the Canada leg of the tournament, he remains eligible to feature in the United States, where he has already been granted entry for Ghana's matches against England and Croatia.