Ghana's government has formally protested Canada's refusal to grant a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, a decision that will bar the 32-year-old from playing in the Black Stars' opening FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Panama on 17 June. The Ghanaian Foreign Ministry has described the move as 'high-handed and extremely unfair' and is seeking a review of the ruling.

Why Canada Refused the Visa

Canadian authorities based their decision on ongoing criminal proceedings against Partey in the United Kingdom, where the footballer faces allegations of rape and sexual assault — charges he has denied. FIFA subsequently confirmed that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana's team base in Boston to Canada for the Group L encounter.

Notably, no judicial determination has been made in the UK case. Ghana's government argued that denying entry on the basis of unproven charges raises serious questions of fairness and proportionality.

What Ghana's Government Said

In an official statement, the Ghanaian Foreign Ministry acknowledged Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws while pushing back sharply on the reasoning applied. 'While respecting Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality,' the statement read.

The Ministry confirmed it has lodged a formal diplomatic protest and is awaiting a response from Canadian authorities ahead of the tournament opener.

Partey's Status and Ghana's Remaining Fixtures

Despite the visa setback, Thomas Partey — who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal and previously represented Arsenal — remains part of the Ghana squad in the United States and is eligible for the team's remaining group-stage matches. Ghana are scheduled to face England in the Boston area and then take on Croatia in Philadelphia.

The absence of one of Ghana's most experienced midfielders for the tournament opener is a significant blow, particularly against a Panama side that will look to exploit any gaps in the Black Stars' midfield structure.

A Wider Pattern of Visa Complications at FIFA WC 2026

The Partey case is not an isolated incident. Several other participants at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 have encountered entry-related difficulties. Somali referee Omar Artan, Iraq internationals Aymen Hussein and Talal Salah, Haiti's Woodensky Pierre, and Switzerland forward Breel Embolo have all reportedly faced visa complications linked to World Cup travel arrangements.

The pattern has drawn attention to the logistical and diplomatic complexities of hosting a global tournament across multiple countries — a format being tested for the first time at this edition of the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What Happens Next

Ghana are awaiting Canada's formal response to their diplomatic protest. Should the review succeed, it remains unclear whether a visa could be issued in time for the 17 June fixture. As things stand, the Black Stars will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama without Partey, leaning on the rest of their squad to fill the void in midfield.