Growing FIFA World Cup Controversy: Partey to Miss Ghana’s Opening Match Over Canada Visa Denial

Europe: Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback after FIFA confirmed that midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars' opening match against Panama following the refusal of his visa application by Canadian authorities. 

According to FIFA, Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base camp in Boston, United States, to Toronto, Canada, where Ghana is scheduled to face Panama on June 17 in its first Group L fixture.

FIFA emphasized that visa decisions are solely the responsibility of host governments and are beyond the control of the world football governing body. 

The visa refusal is reportedly linked to ongoing legal proceedings involving the Ghanaian international in the United Kingdom.

Partey is facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault related to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

Canadian authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific reasons for the visa denial. However, reports indicate that Canada's immigration regulations can restrict entry to individuals facing serious criminal charges, even if they have not been convicted. 

The development means Ghana will be without one of its most experienced players for the crucial opening encounter against Panama, forcing the Black Stars' technical team to make adjustments in midfield ahead of the match. 

Despite missing the game in Canada, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana's remaining group-stage matches, which will be played in the United States. Ghana is scheduled to face England in Boston before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia. 

Partey, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal and previously starred for Arsenal, has been a key figure for the Black Stars over the years and was expected to play a significant role in Ghana's World Cup campaign.

The 32-year-old's absence from the Panama clash is expected to be closely watched as Ghana seeks a positive start to its World Cup journey without one of its most influential midfielders.

This comes days after Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied visa to the United States to officiate in the FIFA World Cup.

According to multiple international media outlets, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stopped and turned Artan away following his flight from Istanbul, preventing him from the golden opportunity to officiate the World Cup finals.

The developments in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have most fans shocked, as some call on FIFA to intervene in visa denial cases.