Ghana has suffered a major setback ahead of its opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey lost a legal challenge seeking permission to enter Canada for the Black Stars’ clash against Panama.
Canadian authorities denied the Villarreal midfielder a visa due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, effectively ruling him out of Wednesday’s Group-stage encounter in Toronto.
In a bid to overturn the decision, Ghana filed an urgent application before a Canadian federal court, seeking an injunction against the visa denial. However, the challenge was dismissed on Tuesday by Judge Roger Lafreniere, according to reports by Canadian broadcaster CBC.
The ruling means Partey will be unavailable for Ghana’s World Cup opener, dealing a blow to the team’s preparations as they seek a strong start to their campaign.
Despite the development, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz insisted his team remains focused and prepared.
“My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me. When the decision comes, we are ready,” Queiroz told reporters in Toronto.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen acknowledged Partey’s quality but maintained that Ghana possesses enough depth and experience to remain a formidable opponent.
“They have a lot of other footballers who can take on his role. Ghana will not be weaker because they have plenty of experienced players,” Christiansen said.
The decision has sparked diplomatic concerns, with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, describing Canada’s action as “high-handed and extremely unfair.”
According to the minister, the Ghanaian government has submitted an official note of protest to Canadian authorities and requested a review of the decision, emphasizing Partey’s importance to the national team.
Canada, however, defended its position, stating that hosting major international sporting events does not exempt individuals from the country’s immigration laws.
Canadian immigration authorities reiterated that every visa application is assessed on its individual merits and in accordance with existing legal requirements.
Partey is currently facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. The Ghanaian international has denied all allegations and is awaiting trial.
His absence is expected to be one of the major talking points ahead of Ghana’s crucial World Cup opener against Panama.
