A major setback for the Black Stars on the eve of their opening match in the 2026 World Cup. Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied a visa by Canadian authorities. The news, initially reported in the press, was confirmed by FIFA on Friday, June 12, the day after the tournament officially kicked off in Mexico.

Stranded at the border due to his legal troubles

The Canadian government rejected the player's visa application due to serious charges against him in the United Kingdom.

The current Villarreal (Spain) player is indeed charged with alleged rape and sexual assault of four women, committed between 2021 and 2022 while he was playing for Arsenal. Although he has pleaded not guilty to the eight charges against him, his trial will not take place until 2027. This legal situation is incompatible with the entry requirements for Canada.

"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will not be able to travel from Boston, where the Ghanaian national team is based, to Canada for the first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, because his visa application was refused by the Canadian government," the international body stated, noting that it does not interfere in the immigration policies of host countries.

A suitable schedule for the remainder of the competition

While Ghana will have to do without one of its key players for its opening match in Toronto, the rest of the tournament looks different for the midfielder. According to a source close to the matter contacted by AFP, Partey has been cleared to enter the United States.

Thomas Partey's schedule for the group stage (Group L):

1. June 17 (Toronto, Canada): Ghana 🆚 Panama ❌ (Absent)
2. June 23 (Boston, USA): Ghana 🆚 England (Present)
3. Next match (Philadelphia, USA): Ghana 🆚 Croatia (Present)

The Ghana team will therefore have to secure its first points without him against Panama, before being able to reintegrate its star for the two decisive matches in the United States.