Ghana will look to kick off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a win as they play Panama in a Group L match in Toronto on Wednesday.
The Black Stars come into the tournament led by head coach Carlos Queiroz, who will make his fifth consecutive appearance in the quadrennial tournament. However, Ghana’s selection for the match against Panama is missing a vice-captain.
Why isn’t Thomas Partey playing in Ghana vs Panama in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
According to reports from the Canadian press, a federal high court in the country upheld the decision to deny Thomas Partey entry into Canada due to visa issues.
The Arsenal midfielder’s visa problems stem from ongoing criminal proceedings in Britain involving seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault, related to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022.
Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a trial is scheduled for later this year.
It remains to be seen whether the 33-year-old will be eligible to play Ghana’s remaining matches in the World Cup group stage.
Partey made 57 appearances for Ghana, scoring 15 goals and eight assists for the African giants.
Ghana will play England in Boston after the match in Panama on June 23, followed by a match against Croatia four days later.
Published on June 18, 2026
