Ghana hit by major World Cup setback as Thomas Partey misses Panama clash over Canada visa refusal

Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars' clash against Panama following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.

FIFA confirmed that the experienced midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Toronto after the Canadian government denied his visa.

The decision leaves coach Carlos Queiroz without one of his most experienced players for a fixture widely regarded as crucial to Ghana's hopes of progressing from Group L.

Partey was expected to play an important role in midfield and provide leadership as one of the team's captains, although the Black Stars are not built entirely around the 32-year-old.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the reason for the visa refusal. However, Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all the allegations through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.

Despite missing the Panama encounter, Partey remains eligible for Ghana's remaining group-stage matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, both of which will be played in the United States.

The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia as they seek a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.