The Ghanaian international Thomas Partey will not be able to play his team’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup against Panama, scheduled for June 17 in Toronto. because the Canadian Government denied him a visa to enter the country.
“FIFA confirms that the player Thomas Partey will not be able to travel from the Ghana national team camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been denied by the Canadian government. FIFA does not intervene in the immigration processes of host countries, including the granting of visas. As in previous FIFA events, the host government is the one who, ultimately, determines who receives a visa and is admitted to the country,” was the statement from the tournament organizing entity that the British newspaper replied. The Guardian.
Although the authorities Canadians have not publicly detailed the reasons for the decision; various media have linked the case to judicial proceedings opened against the footballer in England.
Partey, 32 years old and current Villarreal player, faces seven charges of rape and one of sexual assault related to complaints filed by four women for events that, according to the accusations, occurred between 2020 and 2022. The midfielder pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Partey’s absence is a hard blow for the Black Stars, who lose one of their references in the midfield, where he was a key piece in the Ghanaian scheme.
The duel between Ghana and Panama, corresponding to the first day of the group stage, will be played on Wednesday, June 17 at the BMO Field in Toronto, where the African team will have to face the challenge without one of its most experienced players.
The holding midfielder has played for teams such as Arsenal, of the English Premier League; Atlético de Madrid, from Spain, and currently plays for Villarreal. His loss represents a hard blow for the debut of the African team.
🇵🇦🚨ATTENTION PANAMA: Ghana loses one of its figures for its debut on June 17😱
Thomas Partey will not be part of the African delegation to the Canaleros due to the rejection of his visa application by the Canadian government❌
The Villareal midfielder is… pic.twitter.com/q0LiC7cu8p
— ESPN Central America (@ESPN_CENAM) June 12, 2026