Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after a Canadian court upheld a decision denying him entry into the country.
A Federal High Court in Canada on Tuesday dismissed an appeal filed by Partey’s legal team, which sought to overturn a visa refusal that prevented him from travelling with the Ghana national team to Toronto.
The ruling means the former Arsenal midfielder will not be available for Wednesday’s Group L fixture against Panama at BMO Field.
Partey, 33, is currently facing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom involving multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. He has denied all allegations.
Court documents and reports indicated that the ongoing legal matters formed part of the considerations that influenced the visa denial.
The Ghana Football Association had earlier described the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” expressing disappointment over the midfielder’s exclusion on the eve of the tournament.
Despite the setback, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said the team had already prepared for all possible scenarios.
“My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me,” Queiroz told reporters. “We are ready, and we have a plan that includes all 26 players.”
He added that the absence of the midfielder would not significantly alter the team’s approach to the opening match.
Sources close to the team said preparations had already been adjusted ahead of the final decision, with limited expectation that the appeal would succeed.
Partey is expected to remain part of Ghana’s World Cup squad structure and could still feature in subsequent group matches against England and Croatia.
The Black Stars will face Panama on Wednesday as they begin their campaign in Group L of the tournament.
