June 12, 2026
Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada and will miss the Black Stars’ clash against Panama.
According to BBC Sport, FIFA confirmed on Friday that the former Arsenal midfielder, now with Spanish club Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
The development makes Partey the latest high-profile football figure affected by immigration and visa issues at the World Cup, following the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite being selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament.
In a statement quoted by the BBC, FIFA said it had no role in immigration decisions taken by host countries.
