Thomas Partey Misses Ghana's Opening Match of the 2026 World Cup after Visa Appeal is Rejected

JAKARTA - The Federal Supreme Court in Canada has upheld its decision to deny Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener against Panama on Thursday, June 18, 2026, morning WIB.

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, local time, after an appeal hearing in which Partey's legal team sought to overturn the visa denial that had prevented the former Arsenal midfielder from leaving for Toronto with the entire Ghana squad.

The 33-year-old's visa issue is due to an ongoing criminal legal process in England involving seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge relating to allegations from four different women between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with a trial scheduled for later this year.

However, the court's decision means Partey remains unable to enter Canada, which is a significant blow to the Black Stars ahead of their opening Group L match against Panama.

The Ghanaian player has received support from the Government of Ghana, which called the decision arbitrary and very unfair.

The midfielder's absence leaves head coach Carlos Queiroz without one of his most experienced players for the match against Panama at BMO Field.

"My job is to play with the cards in front of me. We are waiting for a decision. When the decision comes, we are ready. We have a plan and it includes all 26 players," said Carlos Queiroz.

Partey is still expected to play a key role for the four-time African Cup of Nations champions as they take on their other two group matches against England in Boston on June 23, 2026 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, 2026.

They could potentially return to Canada for the last 32 if they finish runners-up in Group L.