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Canada denies visa to Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana World Cup opener

Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports12 Jun 2026, 17:22
Canada denies visa to Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana World Cup opener

FIFA has confirmed that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will be unable to travel to Canada for his country’s opening World Cup match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, after his visa application was rejected by Canadian authorities. The decision means he will miss the fixture, with Canada one of the tournament’s host nations.

Canada, one of the host countries, is not allowing Thomas Partey into the country, and he will not play in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama.

"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana’s base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their opening match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been rejected by the Canadian government.

FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of the host countries, including the issuance of visas.

As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."