Ghana Hit by Major Setback As Thomas Partey Ruled Out of World Cup Opener Against Panama
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Ghana have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after influential midfielder Thomas Partey was ruled out of the Black Stars’ Group L clash against Panama following the refusal of his Canadian visa application.
The development means Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Toronto, where the Black Stars are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign. FIFA confirmed that the experienced midfielder will miss the fixture, leaving head coach Carlos Queiroz without one of his most important players for a match considered crucial to Ghana’s ambitions of advancing from the group stage.
Partey’s absence comes as a major setback for the four-time African champions, with the 32-year-old expected to play a leading role in midfield while also providing valuable experience and leadership within the squad. As one of the team’s captains, his presence was seen as vital in guiding a relatively youthful Ghana side through a challenging group campaign.
Neither FIFA nor Canadian authorities have publicly disclosed the reasons behind the visa refusal. However, the midfielder is currently facing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Partey has strongly denied all allegations through his legal representatives, and the matter remains before the courts.
Despite being unavailable for the Panama encounter, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining Group L matches, which will take place in the United States. The Black Stars are scheduled to face England in Boston before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia as they continue their quest for a place in the knockout stages.
Coach Carlos Queiroz will now be forced to reshuffle his midfield plans as Ghana prepare for their opening assignment without one of their most experienced performers. The Black Stars, however, will be hoping that the depth within the squad can compensate for Partey’s absence and help secure a positive result against Panama.
Ghana will kick off their World Cup journey on June 17 against Panama before facing two formidable opponents in England and Croatia. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the Black Stars will be eager to overcome this early setback and make a strong statement in Group L as they seek to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
