Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey's participation in the side's FIFA World Cup opener looks doubtful, with his visa application to Canada being denied. The team will take the field against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday in its opening game.
FIFA Confirms Visa Refusal
"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, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," FIFA said. The governing body added that it is "not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas."
"As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country," FIFA stated.
IRCC Statement on Immigration Laws
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a statement that anyone intending to travel to Canada is assessed individually, "based on the facts available and the law that applies."
"Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians," the IRCC said. "Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws."
Partey remains in the base camp with the Ghana team. The midfielder is, however, eligible to play in the later group stage for his side. Ghana will feature in Group L this FIFA World Cup. The team is set to go against England in Foxborough on 24th June and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 28.
Partey's World Cup Qualifiers Performance
Partey has made 7 appearances in the CAF World Cup qualifiers in 2026. While playing for 609 minutes, he has managed 5 involvements, 3 assists and netted 3 goals.
The 32-year-old is known for his previous association with Arsenal from 2020 to 2025, the club bought him for 50 M€. The Ghana footballer now features for Villarreal. He is also facing allegations of rape and sexual assault by four different women in the United Kingdom, who have accused him of incidents between 2020 and 2022, but he denies the charges. While legal proceedings continue, Partey remains out on bail, on the condition that he avoids contact with the alleged victims.
