Ghana will play its first game of the 2026 World Cup against Panama at Toronto Stadium. Ghana and Panama are in Group L with England and Croatia, who played before this match; England defeated Croatia 4-2.
Ghana, on paper, is the favorite over Panama due to the quality of players the African nation has in its roster. However, one of Ghana's most important players in the roster will not be available to play against Panama.
Ghana will not have Thomas Partey available to play against Panama despite being included in the Ghana World Cup roster. Partey played in Ghana's final friendly match before the World Cup against Wales earlier this month.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Partey is not injured and is set to play in Ghana's next match against England on June 23 at Boston Stadium.
Thomas Partey Not Allowed In Canada?
Ghana vs Panama is being played at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada. It is the seocnd game this stadium has hosted a World Cup match so far.
Due to the location of the match, Partey was denied entry to Canada as the Canadian government has refused his visa.
The Canadian authorities have denied entry to the Ghana midfielder due to the rape charges he is facing in London, England.
FIFA says they play no role in immigration, including granting entry visas.
FIFA wrote a statement that read, "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. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."
Partey's lawyers tried to appeal the decision, but it was dismissed by judges.
