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Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada and will miss the Black Stars’ clash against Panama.
According to BBC Sport, FIFA confirmed on Friday that the former Arsenal midfielder, now with Spanish club Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
The development makes Partey the latest high-profile football figure affected by immigration and visa issues at the World Cup, following the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite being selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament.
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In a statement quoted by the BBC, FIFA said it had no role in immigration decisions taken by host countries.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the governing body said.
“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Partey, 32, had been expected to play a key role for Ghana as the four-time African champions begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto.
The experienced midfielder remains one of the Black Stars’ most influential players and his absence is a significant blow to coach Otto Addo’s plans for the tournament.
The visa refusal comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the player. Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Canadian authorities have not publicly explained the reasons behind the decision.
The case is likely to generate fresh debate around immigration policies at the expanded 48-team World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament has already been overshadowed by a series of off-field controversies. Earlier this week, Somali referee Omar Artan was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials after being denied entry into the United States, while Iran’s football federation also complained that its allocation of supporters’ tickets for group-stage matches had been revoked.
With Partey unavailable, the Black Stars must now prepare for their crucial opening fixture against Panama without one of their most experienced players as they seek a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
Ghana are appearing at the World Cup for the fifth time and will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage despite the setback.
Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation’s growing push to recruit foreign-born players, warning that the country risks diminishing the pride attached to representing Nigeria.
The former West Bromwich Albion forward spoke against what he described as excessive efforts to convince dual-nationality players to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles.
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In recent months, the NFF has been linked with moves for several foreign-based players of Nigerian descent, including Michael Kayode, Caleb Okoli and Kingsley Ehizibue.
Odemwingie revealed this during an interview with Brila FM, he said players should feel honoured to represent Nigeria without expecting special treatment.
“These days it seems like they want to be pampered. For me, I never needed any pampering. If Nigeria pampers me, that’s more than enough,” he said.
Odemwingie then expressed concern about the increasing number of players of Nigerian heritage choosing to represent European nations instead of the Super Eagles.
“Imagine if one day the entire England squad is made up of Nigerians. How can Nigeria win the World Cup when our talents are serving other countries?” he questioned.
The former forward, who represented Nigeria between 2002 and 2014, explained that despite his connection to Russia, his loyalty in football always belonged to Nigeria.
