World Cup 2026: Panama handed boost as Thomas Partey loses Canada visa appeal

Panama's chances of causing an upset in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a significant lift after Ghana were officially deprived of midfield star Thomas Partey for the Group L encounter.

The Black Stars will be without one of their most influential players after the 32-year-old lost his emergency appeal against Canada's decision to deny him entry into the country.

The ruling brings an end to days of uncertainty that had overshadowed Ghana's preparations, with Partey's availability remaining in doubt until the final hours before kickoff.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz had repeatedly insisted he was preparing his side for every possible scenario, but the court's decision means Ghana must now face Panama without the experience and leadership of their midfield anchor.

Partey's absence is a major setback for the four-time African champions, with the former Arsenal midfielder expected to play a central role in Ghana's bid to reach the knockout stages.

The midfielder 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.

Despite legal arguments from Partey's representatives and diplomatic efforts by the Ghanaian government, the Canadian court upheld the immigration decision.

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

While the ruling rules him out of the Panama fixture, the midfielder is expected to rejoin the Black Stars when they return to the United States for their remaining Group L matches against England and Croatia.