Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey won’t compete in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opening game against Panama. The game takes place on Wednesday, June 17 and Partey’s absence further complicates Ghana’s chances of qualifying to the next round as the Black Stars deal with injury related absences to the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu in the competition.

This is down to Canada denying the Villarreal player entry to the country over sexual allegations slapped on Partey by a London court involving five counts of rape in 2025. He was also charged with one count of sexual assault.

Earlier this year, the rape count on Partey increased from five to seven as two more alleged cases were filed against him. The sexual allegations stem from Partey’s run with Arsenal from 2020 to 2025. Partey has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A statement from world football’s governing body FIFA confirmed the news about Canada denying Partey entry into the country.

“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.”

FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country” FIFA stated in a release.