Partey set to miss Ghana’s World Cup opener after Canadian visa appeal fails
Ghana international Thomas Partey is expected to be unavailable for the Black Stars’ opening Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama on Thursday, June 18, 2026, after a Canadian court rejected his attempt to overturn a visa denial.
In a ruling issued on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Judge Roger R. Lafreniere declined requests to fast-track the case or direct immigration officials to review their decision before Ghana’s World Cup campaign begins.
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The court concluded that Partey had not demonstrated sufficient grounds to challenge the original visa refusal and therefore did not qualify for the exceptional legal remedy he was seeking.
Lafreniere also noted that Canadian authorities had informed the midfielder of concerns linked to the multiple rape and sexual assault allegations he is facing in the United Kingdom. According to the ruling, Partey did not adequately respond to those concerns during the visa application process.
As a result, the 33-year-old remains barred from entering Canada for now, casting uncertainty over his involvement in Ghana’s remaining group-stage fixtures. His participation will depend on whether immigration officials later reconsider the case or grant him a temporary resident permit.
Canadian authorities denied Partey’s visa application last week, prompting his legal team to file an urgent appeal before the Federal Court in Ottawa in an effort to reverse the decision.
Despite the setback, Partey was included in the 26-player squad selected by head coach Carlos Queiroz for the tournament.
Ghana begins its World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 and will later face England and Croatia in the remaining Group L matches.
Government frustrated
On the matter, the Government of Ghana has expressed strong reservations about the refusal by the Canadian government to grant access to Thomas Partey in the country.
The player is, however, expected to be available for Ghana’s later group games against England and Croatia in the United States.
“The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghanaian national and key member of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” part of the statement read.
