Ghana’s World Cup preparations suffered a major setback on Friday after reports confirmed that Black Stars vice-captain Thomas Partey had been denied entry into Canada, ruling him out of the team’s opening Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto.
The decision was confirmed by FIFA, which stated that the Canadian government had refused Partey’s visa application, preventing the experienced midfielder from traveling from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Canada for the match scheduled on June 17.
Partey, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal and previously starred for Arsenal and Atlético Madrid, had already joined the Ghana squad in the United States and participated fully in training sessions ahead of the tournament.
The 32-year-old midfielder is facing ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom involving multiple charges of rape and sexual assault, allegations that he has consistently denied while maintaining his innocence throughout the investigation and court process.
Canadian immigration authorities did not publicly disclose the exact reasons behind the visa refusal, although Canadian law allows officials to deny entry to foreign nationals considered criminally inadmissible under immigration regulations.
FIFA emphasized that it has no authority over immigration decisions made by host nations and explained that visa approvals and border access remain the exclusive responsibility of each country’s government.
News of the visa refusal quickly spread through Ghana’s football community, with many supporters expressing concern over the absence of one of the team’s most influential players just days before their World Cup opener.
Partey’s exclusion is particularly significant because he has served as the engine of Ghana’s midfield for nearly a decade, providing leadership, defensive stability, and valuable experience on football’s biggest stages.
Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz now faces the difficult challenge of reshaping his midfield plans, with younger players expected to assume greater responsibility against a Panama side eager to capitalize on Ghana’s setback.
Despite being unable to travel to Canada, Partey remains eligible to stay with the squad in the United States and could still feature in Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.
Officials within the Ghana Football Association have not announced whether any further efforts will be made to challenge the decision, leaving uncertainty surrounding Partey’s participation in future matches played on Canadian soil.
The development has reignited international debate about how host countries balance immigration policies, legal concerns, and sporting participation during major global tournaments involving athletes facing unresolved legal cases.
As Ghana intensifies preparations for its World Cup campaign, attention will remain focused on whether the Black Stars can overcome the loss of one of their most experienced stars and begin the tournament with a positive result against Panama.
