Canada has joined the United States in blocking African participants from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after denying Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, a decision that has triggered a diplomatic protest from Accra and renewed concerns over cross-border travel during the tournament.
Canadian authorities refused Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Teye Partey a temporary resident visa, preventing him from travelling from the Black Stars’ team base in Boston, United States, to Canada.
As a result, Partey is expected to miss Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama on June 17.
“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, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” FIFA said.
Ghana condemns decision
