Ghana hit by major World Cup setback as Thomas Partey misses Panama clash over Canada visa refusal

Fri 12th Jun, 2026 19:07

Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars' clash against Panama following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.

FIFA confirmed that the experienced midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Toronto after the Canadian government denied his visa.

The decision leaves coach Carlos Queiroz without one of his most experienced players for a fixture widely regarded as crucial to Ghana's hopes of progressing from Group L.

Partey was expected to play an important role in midfield and provide leadership as one of the team's captains, although the Black Stars are not built entirely around the 32-year-old.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the reason for the visa refusal. However, Partey is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all the allegations through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.

Despite missing the Panama encounter, Partey remains eligible for Ghana's remaining group-stage matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, both of which will be played in the United States.

The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia as they seek a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story

Advertise Here contact ads[@]ghheadlines.com

Ghana faces setback in World Cup as Thomas Partey cannot play against Panama due to visa denial from Canada

Suggested for you

More Stories

Ghana Pilgrims Return After 2026 Hajj in Mecca

UG VC leads global push for better representation of African languages in AI revolution

World Vision partners with Wa East Assembly to establish Children Parliament against child labour

Nursing trainee hospitalized after fire destroys female dormitory at Government Secretarial School

New study shows what is needed for community mining to last long

Prince Adu-Owusu: The sweet thing about being chosen

Discussion