FIFA confirms Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener after Canada visa refusal

FIFA has confirmed that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will be unable to feature in the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a visa application refusal by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Several reports emerged on Friday that the former Arsenal marksman had been slapped with a visa refusal, and the world governing body has issued a statement confirming that Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s base in Boston, USA, to Canada.

“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.

“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.

“For any further questions, please contact the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) at media@cic.gc.ca.”

However, Partey will be available for selection in Ghana’s other Group L fixtures against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, as both matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.

Partey is currently facing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom after he was charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has since denied all the charges through his legal team, and the case remains before the courts.

He is expected to play against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, 2026.