FIFA bars Thomas Partey from Canada, rules him out of Ghana's Panama clash
FIFA has confirmed that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not be able to travel to Canada for the Black Stars' 2026 World Cup opener against Panama on 17 June. The Canadian government refused his visa application over allegations of rape, FIFA said in a statement released on Friday. Partey remains with Ghana's team base camp in Boston, USA, but cannot cross the border for the match.
The denial is a major blow for Ghana, losing a key midfielder just before their first tournament game. Partey's absence could force coach Otto Addo to reshuffle the midfield, potentially affecting Ghana's chances in a tough Group F opener. The situation also highlights how off‑field legal issues can directly impact a player's availability for international duty, with FIFA stressing it does not intervene in host‑country visa decisions.
Ghanaian fans should expect the team to rely on alternatives such as Elvis Manu or Mohammed Kudus in midfield. Keep an eye on any updates regarding Partey's legal case and whether the visa denial could affect his participation in later matches. The Black Stars' opener against Panama kicks off at 20:00 CAT on 17 June.