Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s 2026 World Cup opener after being denied a Canadian visa, ruling him out of the match against Panama in Toronto on June 17.
FIFA confirmed the midfielder, who was named in Ghana’s squad, will be unable to travel from the team’s base in the United States due to the immigration decision by Canadian authorities.
Partey has recently faced multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, which he denies, and is currently awaiting trial scheduled for 2027.
His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has previously said he has fully cooperated with investigators and maintains his innocence.
“Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him,” she said, adding that he would not comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.
FIFA stressed that visa approvals are solely handled by host countries.
“The player will be unable to travel… as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the governing body stated, noting it has no role in immigration decisions.
