Ghana’s Partey Setback: Ex-Arsenal Midfielder Blocked From Entering Canada For World Cup Match

Last Updated:June 17, 2026, 05:53 IST

Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama after a Canadian court rejected a challenge to overturn a visa refusal linked to charges in Britain.

Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener after midfielder Thomas Partey lost a legal challenge that could have allowed him to enter Canada for Wednesday’s clash against Panama.

The Villarreal midfielder, who is currently facing trial in Britain on multiple rape and sexual assault charges, was denied a visa by Canadian authorities. The decision prevented him from travelling to Toronto for Ghana’s opening Group-stage fixture.

In a last-ditch effort to overturn the ruling, Ghana filed a request for an injunction in Canada’s federal court on Tuesday. The application sought to set aside Ottawa’s decision and clear the way for Partey to join the squad.

However, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC, Judge Roger Lafreniere dismissed the challenge, effectively ending any hopes of the midfielder featuring against Panama.

Queiroz Stays Focused

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Partey’s availability, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz insisted his team was prepared for any outcome.

“My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me," Queiroz told reporters in Toronto before the ruling was announced.

“When the decision comes, we are ready."

Panama Unfazed By Partey Absence

Panama coach Thomas Christiansen also played down the significance of Partey’s potential absence, arguing Ghana possess enough quality throughout the squad.

“They have a lot of other footballers who can take on his role," Christiansen said.

Ghana would not be “weaker" without Partey, he added, pointing to the Black Stars’ experience on the international stage.

“They have a lot more experience than we have."

Diplomatic Tensions

The decision has sparked frustration in Ghana. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described Canada’s stance as “high-handed and extremely unfair" and labelled Partey “a key member of Ghana’s senior national team."

Ghana has since lodged an official diplomatic protest and formally requested a review of the decision.

Canadian authorities, however, maintained that hosting the World Cup does not alter immigration laws. Immigration officials said every applicant is assessed individually based on the available facts and applicable legislation.

Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in Britain, relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He has consistently denied the accusations.

(with AFP inputs)

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Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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