Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada, will miss World Cup opener
Ghana national team midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's opening 2026 World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry to Canada. The decision was announced after Ghana's football federation lodged a formal appeal.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku told reporters in Accra: "We have filed a written appeal with Canadian immigration authorities and have referred the matter to the FIFA mediation unit". The rejection of Partey reportedly relates to charges linked to his Premier League period in 2022.
Canada Immigration Ministry spokesperson Lisa Greenfield said in Ottawa: "Visa decisions are evaluated individually for each applicant; no exception is made on sporting event grounds". Partey's 2022 trial ended in acquittal.
FIFA Dispute Resolution unit head Geoff Thompson said: "In cases like this, mediation typically concludes within 72 hours; the player may still make it for the second match". The Ghanaian cedi slipped 0.3% against the dollar. Not investment advice.
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