2026 World Cup: Tension between Ghana and Canada after visa refusal for player Thomas Partey

Ghana will be without Thomas Partey for their opening 2026 World Cup match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, after Canadian authorities refused to grant him a visa. Ghana's Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa sent a protest note to Ottawa, arguing that the decision is based on unproven allegations. FIFA stated it does not intervene in host countries' immigration procedures. Partey, who has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault, remains available for the matches against England and Croatia.