A court hearing seeking to overturn Canada’s refusal to grant Thomas Partey entry ahead of Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is under way, with Ghanaian officials hopeful that the midfielder could still be cleared to play against Panama.
Sources familiar with the proceedings have described the atmosphere surrounding the case as encouraging, although no ruling has yet been issued.
The outcome of the hearing could prove crucial for Ghana’s preparations for its Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, 17 June. Partey was denied permission to enter Canada, prompting a legal and diplomatic effort by Ghana to have the decision reversed before the start of the tournament.
Canadian authorities have not publicly explained the reasons for the refusal. However, the Ghanaian government says it understands that the decision is linked to Canada’s immigration rules concerning criminal inadmissibility and relates to ongoing criminal proceedings involving the player in the United Kingdom.
Partey, formerly of Arsenal, is currently facing trial in England on multiple rape charges. Through his legal representatives, he has denied all allegations. The case remains before the courts and no verdict has been reached.
Ghanaian officials have argued that preventing the midfielder from entering Canada before the legal process has been completed undermines the principle that an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Since news of the refusal emerged, the Ghanaian government has stepped up efforts to challenge the decision. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally lodged a protest with Canadian authorities and confirmed that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has engaged in discussions with Canadian officials.
Those discussions have included talks with Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, as Ghana seeks a solution that would allow the player to participate in the country’s opening fixture.
The ministry has also indicated that it is prepared to pursue all available options to secure a reversal of the decision. These measures include diplomatic engagement, administrative processes and legal action, including judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada.
The hearing now taking place is the latest development in those efforts and could determine whether Partey is able to travel to Canada in time for the match against Panama.
While awaiting the outcome, Ghana’s coaching staff and players have continued their preparations for the tournament. Officials are keen to ensure that uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s status does not distract the squad from its immediate objectives.
According to sources, the Black Stars have been planning for every possible outcome. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Ghana is expected to continue with its existing preparations and take on Panama without one of the most experienced members of the team.
Although his participation in the Toronto fixture remains uncertain, Partey has already been cleared to enter the United States. American authorities have granted him entry despite the ongoing legal proceedings in the UK.
That means the midfielder remains eligible for Ghana’s remaining Group L matches, which are scheduled to be played against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.
Attention is now focused on the court’s decision, which is expected after the hearing concludes. Ghana hopes a favourable ruling will enable Partey to join the squad in Canada before Wednesday’s opening World Cup match, while officials continue to await the outcome of a case that could have a significant impact on the team’s early tournament plans.
