FIFA has issued an official statement regarding the absence of Thomas Partey from Ghana’s opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The seasoned midfielder will not participate in the Group L encounter against Panama due to a visa application being declined by Canadian authorities.
The statement, reported initially by The Athletic, emphasizes that Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base in the United States to Canada for the match. FIFA clarified that it had no part in the visa decision-making process.
“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 the Canadian government has refused his visa application.
Advertisement“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.”
This development means that the 32-year-old midfielder will miss the important Group L match against Panama in Toronto on June 17.