Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Canada after a Federal Court upheld a decision preventing him from entering the country.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, dismissed an appeal filed by Partey’s legal team challenging a visa refusal that had barred him from travelling to Toronto to join the national squad ahead of their Group L match against Panama.
The 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder had been hopeful the court would overturn the decision to allow him to link up with the team, but the judgment effectively ends his immediate participation in the tournament in Canada.
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Canadian authorities denied Partey’s visa application due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he is facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women, relating to alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty, and a trial is expected later this year.
Despite diplomatic efforts and optimism from sections of Ghana’s football leadership, including earlier assurances from Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams, the legal barrier remained unresolved.
The setback is a major blow to the Black Stars, who will now face Panama at BMO Field on Wednesday without one of their most experienced midfielders and vice-captains.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz is left with a significant tactical gap as Ghana prepares for a difficult Group L campaign featuring England and Croatia.
Partey’s absence adds to Ghana’s growing pre-tournament challenges, forcing the technical team to urgently rethink midfield structure and leadership options.
The ruling ends days of uncertainty and confirms that the midfielder will not be available for the opening stages of Ghana’s World Cup journey in Canada.