Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Panama after a Canadian court dismissed his appeal challenging a visa refusal.
A Federal Court in Ottawa ruled on Tuesday that the appeal against Canada’s immigration decision had failed, effectively confirming that Partey will not be allowed entry into Canada for the Group L fixture scheduled in Toronto on Wednesday.
The Canadian government had earlier refused the 33-year-old midfielder a visa, prompting his legal team to mount a last-minute appeal seeking to overturn the decision. However, the court rejected the application, describing it as a request for “extraordinary, mandatory interlocutory relief” that would require authorities to override a lawfully made inadmissibility finding.
Partey’s lawyers indicated ahead of the ruling that they would not pursue further legal action if the appeal was unsuccessful.
The Black Stars will now proceed without the former Arsenal midfielder, who remains a key figure for Ghana despite facing multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom—charges he has denied.
Canadian immigration authorities maintained that foreign nationals may be deemed inadmissible on “reasonable grounds” even without a foreign conviction, under domestic immigration laws.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has already indicated that the team is prepared for the possibility of playing without Partey, insisting the squad is focused on its tactical plans ahead of the tournament opener.
The development has triggered frustration among sections of Ghanaian fans in Canada and abroad, who had anticipated seeing the midfielder feature in the high-profile World Cup encounter.
Ghana will face Panama in Toronto as they begin their Group L campaign.
