Ghana Protests Canada's Visa Denial for Thomas Partey Ahead of WC26 Opener

The Ghanaian government has expressed significant displeasure following Canada's refusal to grant a visa to prominent midfielder Thomas Partey, impacting his participation in an early 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture. Partey, a pivotal player for the Black Stars, will be unable to join his teammates for their opening group stage match in Canada, sparking a diplomatic protest from Accra.

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged Canada's right to manage its borders but labeled the decision as "extremely unfair" and "high-handed." The objection stems from Canada's reported reliance on unproven allegations against Partey, who is slated to stand trial next year. Accra argues that making immigration decisions based on unadjudicated charges raises serious questions regarding fairness and proportionality, according to their official statement.

Despite the setback for their initial game, FIFA has confirmed that Partey, currently based with the squad in Boston, USA, will only miss Ghana's first encounter against Panama. He is expected to be available for the subsequent two Group L matches, which are scheduled to take place on American soil: against England in Foxborough and Croatia in Philadelphia, ensuring his continued involvement in the tournament beyond the Canadian leg.

In response to the diplomatic complaint, a spokesperson for Canada's immigration, refugees, and citizenship department reiterated the nation's consistent policy. They clarified that every individual seeking entry into Canada undergoes a personalized assessment, with decisions made strictly based on available facts and applicable laws.