Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after reportedly being denied entry into Canada.
According to a report by The Athletic, FIFA has confirmed that Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in the United States to Toronto for the Group L fixture scheduled for June 17 due to a refusal of his visa application by Canadian authorities.
The development is a significant setback for Ghana, with Partey widely regarded as one of the team’s most experienced and influential players heading into the tournament.
In a statement cited by The Athletic, FIFA stressed that immigration decisions remain the sole responsibility of host governments and are beyond the control of world football’s governing body.
“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 statement said.
FIFA further noted that it does not participate in visa adjudication processes and that decisions regarding entry into host countries are made exclusively by national authorities.
