Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has remained committed to the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign despite being ruled out of the team’s opening Group L match against Panama following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.
The 32-year-old has continued training with the squad at its base in the United States and is expected to remain with the team ahead of crucial fixtures against England and Croatia.
FIFA has confirmed that Partey remains eligible to feature in both matches, which will be played in the United States, where he faces no travel restrictions. His absence against Panama is nevertheless a significant setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz, who had counted on one of his most experienced players and team leaders for the tournament opener.
Neither FIFA nor Canadian authorities have publicly disclosed the reason for the visa refusal.
Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign without the influential midfielder before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27, as they seek a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
