Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has lost a legal challenge seeking to overturn Canada’s decision to deny him a visa ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Canadian federal court on Tuesday dismissed Ghana’s request for an injunction that would have allowed the Villarreal midfielder to enter the country for Wednesday’s Group L clash against Panama in Toronto.
According to Canadian broadcaster CBC, Judge Roger Lafreniere rejected the application, effectively ruling out Partey’s participation in the match.
Canadian authorities had denied the 33-year-old entry into the country over ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022.
Partey has denied all allegations and is due to stand trial next year.
The Ghanaian government had strongly opposed the visa denial, describing the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair.”
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said Accra had lodged an official note of protest with Ottawa and formally requested a review of the decision, arguing that Partey remains a key member of the national team.
Despite the setback, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete without the former Arsenal midfielder.
“My business is to play with the cards that I have in front of me,” Queiroz told reporters in Toronto before the ruling was delivered.
“When the decision comes, we are ready.”
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen also downplayed Partey’s absence, saying Ghana possesses enough depth and experience to remain a formidable opponent.
“They have a lot of other footballers who can take on his role,” Christiansen said.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department defended its position, stating that hosting major international events does not alter the country’s immigration laws.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies,” the agency said.
Canada’s foreign ministry added that while it maintains regular diplomatic engagement with Ghana on consular and migration-related matters, decisions regarding entry into the country rest solely with immigration authorities.
Ghana will face Panama in Toronto on Wednesday before taking on England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia in their remaining Group L fixtures.
