Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been ruled out of the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into Canada.

The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal, will miss Ghana’s Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17, 2026, after his visa application was refused by Canadian authorities while the team is based in Boston.

World football governing body FIFA confirmed the decision, stressing that it has no role in host countries’ immigration processes.

“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country,” the statement said.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022. He is expected to stand trial in 2027 and has not been convicted.

Canadian immigration rules state that individuals who have been charged or convicted of certain crimes may be deemed inadmissible to the country.

Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, described the decision as surprising, arguing that the midfielder has been able to travel freely within Europe while on bail in the United Kingdom. Head coach Carlos Queiroz, however, had previously defended his selection of the player, insisting that team decisions would not be influenced by external judgement.

“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” Queiroz said. “Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow.”

Despite missing the opener, Partey could still feature in Ghana’s subsequent Group L matches against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.