Thomas Partey Denied Visa, Misses FIFA World Cup Opener Against Panama

Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied a visa to enter Canada, preventing him from participating in the FIFA World Cup opener against Panama. FIFA confirmed the visa refusal, stating they are not involved in immigration processes. While Partey remains with the Ghana team in Boston, he is still eligible for upcoming matches against England and Croatia. This situation adds to the challenges faced by the player, who is also dealing with serious allegations in the UK. Read on to find out more about the implications of this visa issue on Ghana's World Cup journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 03:04 IST

Visa Issues Prevent Thomas Partey from Joining Ghana's World Cup Match

Vancouver [Canada], June 13: Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey has encountered a setback as his visa application to enter Canada has been denied. Consequently, he will not participate in his team's opening FIFA World Cup match against Panama scheduled for Wednesday in Toronto.

According to a statement from FIFA to a news outlet, "FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, due to the refusal of his visa application by the Canadian government."

FIFA clarified that it does not engage in the immigration processes of host nations, including visa adjudications.

As of now, the Canadian government has not provided a response to inquiries regarding this matter. Partey remains with the Ghana squad in Boston. However, he is eligible to play in subsequent Group L matches against England in Foxborough and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The 32-year-old midfielder previously played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2025 and is currently with Villarreal. He is also facing allegations of rape and sexual assault in the UK, which he has denied.