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

While FIFA confirmed the visa denial, it did not immediately provide detailed reasons for the Canadian authorities’ decision.

The Ghana defender Thomas Partey will miss their opening World Cup game against Panama after being refused a visa to Canada, where the game is being staged in Toronto