Thomas Partey Denied Canadian Visa, Misses Ghana Opener

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the team's opening World Cup match after being denied entry into Canada. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama at BMO Field on Wednesday 17 June, their only group‑stage match in the country. FIFA confirmed that Partey cannot travel from the Ghana base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for the Panama game because his visa application was refused by the Canadian government. The federation noted that immigration decisions are the sole responsibility of the host nation and not within FIFA's remit. The 32‑year‑old is currently facing multiple sexual‑offence charges in London, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said Partey continues to deny all charges and has fully cooperated with police, adding that no further comment will be made while proceedings continue. After the Panama fixture, Partey will be eligible for Ghana's remaining group games against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. The Ghana squad arrived in Washington D.C. on 4 June and moved to their base camp at Bryant University in Rhode Island on Friday. Partey joined Spanish La Liga club Villarreal in 2025 after his contract with Premier League side Arsenal expired at the end of the 2024‑25 season. He appeared in 32 matches for Villarreal this season, with his contract running through the end of June.