The preparations of Ghana for their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major setback after midfielder Thomas Teye Partey was denied permission to enter Canada, ruling him out of the Black Stars‘ first group-stage fixture against Panama.
The decision follows the dismissal of an appeal by the Federal Court of Canada, which upheld an earlier ruling refusing the player a visa. Reports indicate that the final decision on the matter was reached in Ottawa on Tuesday, 16 June.
As a result, Partey will not be able to travel to Toronto for Ghana’s Group L opener and will instead remain at the team’s training base in the United States.
The experienced midfielder had been hoping for a positive outcome to his appeal, with supporters and officials awaiting clarity on his availability in the days leading up to the match. However, the court’s ruling has now brought the issue to a definitive conclusion.
Canadian authorities deemed Partey inadmissible because of pending criminal charges in the United Kingdom. The player denies the allegations and has not been convicted of any offence.
The ruling means Ghana must begin their World Cup campaign without one of the most experienced and influential members of the squad.
The visa situation has been one of the most closely followed stories surrounding the Black Stars since their arrival in North America. Uncertainty over whether Partey would be cleared to enter Canada had overshadowed much of the build-up to the team’s opening fixture.
With the matter now settled, attention has shifted fully to events on the pitch as Ghana prepare to face Panama at BMO Field in Toronto.
Speaking before the match, head coach Carlos Queiroz declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding Partey’s absence.
“It will not be necessary” to comment on the issue, the Portuguese tactician said.
Instead, Queiroz focused on the challenge awaiting his side in their opening fixture, stressing the importance of making a strong start to the tournament.
The Ghana coach expressed confidence in the players available to him despite the loss of a key midfielder. He also described the encounter with Panama as a must-win match for the Black Stars as they seek to build momentum in a demanding group.
Group L features England and Croatia alongside Ghana and Panama, increasing the significance of the opening match for all four teams.
A positive result against Panama would strengthen Ghana’s chances of progressing from the group stage, while defeat could leave them facing a difficult task in their remaining fixtures.
Although Partey’s absence represents a significant blow to Ghana’s plans, the Black Stars will now be expected to rely on the depth of their squad as they attempt to navigate a challenging path through the tournament.
For Ghana, the focus remains firmly on the pitch as they look to begin their World Cup journey on a winning note despite the disappointment surrounding one of their most experienced players.
