A source within the Black Stars camp has exclusively told Footy-Africa that the Ghana Football Association is continuing efforts to resolve Thomas Partey‘s Canada visa issues despite the midfielder being ruled out of Ghana’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Panama.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey will miss the Group L opener on June 17 in Toronto after the Canadian government refused his visa application, preventing him from travelling from the team’s base in the United States.
Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the reason for the visa refusal. However, Partey is currently facing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The midfielder has denied all the charges through his lawyers, and the case remains before the courts.
Despite the setback, the source said the GFA has not given up hope of finding a solution.
“The FA hasn’t given up. They’re still working behind the scenes to see if a solution can be found,” the source told Footy-Africa.
“It is difficult at this stage, but they haven’t just accepted the situation and moved on. There is still hope that something can change.”
🚨🇬🇭 Thomas Partey, denied access to Canada and not available for Ghana opening game at the World Cup — reports @Dan_Sheldon_. pic.twitter.com/MnWUNNzHAD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2026
According to the source, Partey has remained calm despite the disappointment and continues to support his teammates from Ghana’s team base.
“The player is calm. Of course, he is disappointed because every player wants to help the team, but he understands the situation and is staying focused.”
While Partey is unavailable for the match against Panama in Canada, he remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining Group L fixtures against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, both of which will be be played in the United States.
There is also the possibility of Ghana returning to Canada if they finish second in Group L and progress to the knockout stage, making the visa issue one the GFA is keen to resolve before any potential return to Canadian soil.
For now, the Black Stars will prepare for their World Cup opener without one of their most experienced players while efforts continue behind the scenes to find a solution.
