2026 World Cup: Ghana lose appeal to allow Partey play against Panama

A Federal High Court in Canada has upheld the decision to deny Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country.

This means Partey will not play in the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup opening game against Panama on Wednesday

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, following an appeal hearing in which Partey’s legal team sought to overturn the visa refusal.

The former Arsenal midfielder had been barred from travelling to Toronto with the rest of the Ghana squad.

The 33-year-old’s visa issues are due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK involving seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with a trial is scheduled for later this year.

However, the court’s decision means Partey remains unable to enter Canada, dealing a significant blow to the Black Stars on the eve of their opening Group L match against Panama.