Thomas Partey's Visa Denial Prevents Participation in World Cup Opener

Visa Application Denied by Canadian Authorities

Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey has encountered a setback as his visa application to enter Canada has been denied. Consequently, he will miss his team's FIFA World Cup opening match against Panama scheduled for Wednesday in Toronto.

FIFA Issues Statement on Visa Situation

FIFA confirmed the visa refusal in a statement to a news agency, stating, "We can confirm that player Thomas Partey will not be able 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 Canadian government's refusal of his visa application." FIFA clarified that it does not engage in the immigration processes of host nations, including visa adjudications. As of now, there has been no response from the Canadian government regarding this matter.

Partey's Future Matches and Background

Currently, Partey is with the Ghana team at their base camp in Boston. He remains eligible to play in upcoming 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 now with Villarreal. Additionally, he is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault in the UK, which he has denied.