Black Stars midfielder, Thomas Partey, will be absent from Ghana’s first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a Canadian court rejected his appeal against the refusal of his entry visa.
The ruling follows attempts by Ghana’s government to intervene diplomatically after Canadian officials initially turned down his Temporary Resident Visa application. Partey was barred from entering Canada over pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he is facing multiple rape charges.
Canadian immigration officials referenced the case when denying his visa request.
Ghanaian authorities later launched a diplomatic push to overturn the decision, insisting the player has not been convicted and should be considered innocent until a court proves otherwise.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had revealed that Ghana was engaging Canadian officials to resolve the matter before the Black Stars’ Group Stage opener against Panama on Wednesday, June 17.
But the latest judgment means Partey will stay unavailable for selection unless a fresh legal or administrative resolution emerges. His absence is seen as a huge blow to Ghana’s World Cup bid, given his status as one of the Black Stars’ key and most seasoned players.
The midfielder was tipped to play a central role in Ghana’s push to advance past the group phase, with fans banking on diplomatic efforts to ensure he featured in the tournament.Ghana begins its World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.
