Ghana has been dealt a significant blow ahead of its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with midfield talisman Thomas Partey set to miss the Black Stars' clash against Panama after his visa application to enter Canada was reportedly refused.
FIFA has confirmed that the experienced midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana's base camp in Boston, United States, to Canada for the Group Stage encounter scheduled for 17 June. The development comes as a major setback for head coach and supporters, who were counting on Partey's experience and leadership in the middle of the park.
The former Arsenal midfielder has been one of Ghana's most influential players in recent years, playing a key role in the team's qualification campaign and serving as one of the squad's senior figures heading into the tournament.
With Partey unavailable, Ghana's technical team will be forced to rethink their midfield setup against a Panama side eager to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign. His absence leaves a considerable void in terms of ball recovery, distribution, and leadership on the pitch.
The Black Stars have been preparing in Boston ahead of the tournament, with expectations high as they seek to make a deep run in the competition. However, losing one of their most experienced players for the opening fixture presents an early challenge for the four-time African champions.
Fans will now be hoping that the visa issue can be resolved quickly to allow Partey to participate in Ghana's remaining group-stage matches. Until then, the Black Stars must find a way to navigate their opening test without one of their most important players.
Ghana takes on Panama on 17 June, with the nation eagerly awaiting the team's first outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 🇬🇭⚽
