<p>Ghana’s preparations for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback following confirmation from FIFA that midfielder Thomas Partey will be unable to travel to Canada for the Black Stars’ first Group L fixture against Panama.</p><p>In a statement issued on Friday, FIFA said Partey’s visa application had been rejected by the Canadian government, preventing him from joining the Ghana squad for the match scheduled for June 17 in Toronto. FIFA clarified that it has no authority over immigration decisions made by host nations.</p><p>“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,” the governing body stated. FIFA further noted that immigration and visa adjudication remain the responsibility of host countries.</p><p>Canadian immigration authorities have also maintained that hosting major international sporting events does not alter the country’s immigration laws and that all applications are assessed individually under existing legal frameworks.</p><p>The development means Ghana will be without one of its most experienced midfielders for a crucial opening encounter in a group that also features England and Croatia. Partey is currently with the national team at its training base in Boston and is expected to remain eligible for Ghana’s subsequent group matches, both of which will be played in the United States.</p><p>The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Villarreal CF and previously starred for Arsenal FC, has been a key figure in Ghana’s midfield for several years. His absence is likely to force Head Coach Otto Addo to make adjustments ahead of the team’s World Cup campaign opener.</p><p>The Black Stars will now look to begin their tournament on a positive note against Panama before facing England and Croatia in their remaining Group L fixtures.</p><p>Photo credit: cafonline</p>