Ghana suffered a monumental blow before its 2026 World Cup kickoff as a Canadian federal judge upholds the decision to deny Thomas Partey entry into the country. Ghana enters its 2026 World Cup campaign in North America with massive aspirations, but Carlos Queiroz’s side will have to navigate its highly anticipated Group L opener without Thomas Partey.
In a shocking, non-tactical development on the eve of the tournament, the veteran midfielder has been officially ruled out of Ghana’s opening match against Panama in Toronto.
While the 33-year-old Villarreal midfielder was named to the final 26-man roster and spent the preliminary training camp with the squad in Boston, his absence stems entirely from a legal issue with the Canadian government.
Canadian Justice Roger Lafrenière officially rejected an emergency application from Partey’s legal team attempting to temporarily override a decision by immigration officials. The government had previously denied Partey a Temporary Resident Visa to enter the country.
🚨🇬🇭 Thomas Partey, denied access to Canada and not available for Ghana opening game at the World Cup — reports @Dan_Sheldon_. pic.twitter.com/MnWUNNzHAD— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2026
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