World Cup 2026: Ghana's plans for Panama opener disrupted after Thomas Partey denied Canada visa

Ghana's preparations for their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been thrown into disarray after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada, forcing coach Carlos Queiroz to rethink his plans for the crucial Group L clash against Panama.

The Black Stars had been expected to rely on Partey's experience and leadership in midfield for the tournament opener in Toronto, but FIFA confirmed on Friday that the Canadian government had refused the player's visa application.

"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," the governing body said in a statement.

The decision means Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most influential players, leaving Queiroz with limited time to reshape his midfield ahead of a match widely viewed as pivotal to the Black Stars' hopes of progressing from Group L.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed why the visa application was refused.

However, Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows immigration authorities to refuse entry to foreign nationals in certain circumstances, including where individuals are facing unresolved criminal proceedings abroad for offences that would also be considered crimes under Canadian law.

👥 One team. One mission.☝🏾#BlackStars | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/fHB8JJm4i7

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 12, 2026

Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The Ghana international has denied all the charges through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.

FIFA also stressed that it has no involvement in immigration decisions made by host countries.

"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."

While Partey will miss the Panama encounter, FIFA confirmed he remains eligible for Ghana's remaining group matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, both of which will be played in the United States.