Sports 13 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Thomas Partey ruled out of Ghana's World Cup opener due to visa rejection
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his team's World Cup match against Panama after his visa application to enter Canada was denied. FIFA confirmed the player's inability to travel for the game. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/ghana-s-partey-out-of-panama-game-after-visa-refused-says-fifa-5494798
Ghana’s preparations for their upcoming World Cup fixture against Panama have been dealt a significant blow with the news that key midfielder Thomas Partey will not be participating.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey’s visa application to enter Canada for the match, scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, was refused by the Canadian government. The player is currently with the Ghana squad at their team base camp in Boston, USA, and will be unable to join them in Canada for this opening game.
FIFA has stated that it does not involve itself in the immigration procedures of host nations, including the visa application process. A spokesperson for Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) reiterated the country’s stance that hosting major international events does not alter its immigration laws.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,” the IRCC spokesperson communicated via email to Reuters.
Despite this setback, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s subsequent Group L matches. The Black Stars are scheduled to play England in Boston and then face Croatia in Philadelphia.
It is worth noting that Partey, a former Arsenal player now with Villarreal, is also facing allegations of rape and sexual assault in Britain, which he has denied.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)