2026 World Cup: Thomas Partey's Sbsence can inspire Black Stars against Panama – George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie believes the Black Stars can turn Thomas Partey's absence into a source of inspiration as they prepare for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Partey, who was named in Ghana's final squad for the tournament, will miss the team's Group L opener against Panama on June 17 after being denied entry into Canada.

The 32-year-old midfielder is facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

FIFA confirmed the development in a statement to The Athletic, explaining that the Canadian government had rejected the player's visa application.

“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.”

Reacting to the decision in an interview with Adom FM, Afriyie expressed disappointment and questioned the basis for the refusal, noting that Partey has not been found guilty of any offence.

"What happened to not guilty until proven guilty?" Mr Afriyie asked.

Despite his disappointment, the former GFA vice president believes the setback could galvanise the Black Stars ahead of their World Cup campaign.

"I think the players will step up for Thomas Partey. This decision must inspire the players to play for the country and for themselves."

Afriyie also drew comparisons with Ghana's impressive run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, when the team reached the quarter-finals without influential midfielder Michael Essien, who missed the tournament through injury.

"In 2010, Michael Essien could not make the squad due to injury, but the team was able to go all the way to the quarterfinals.

"It was difficult for the players, and some will be disappointed, but they must focus and play," he added.

Canada's immigration regulations allow authorities to deny entry to individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain offences. While Partey has been charged, he has not yet stood trial and has not been convicted.

Ahead of the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include the former Arsenal and Atletico Madrid midfielder in the squad, insisting that it was not his responsibility to judge an ongoing legal matter.

"If the player is here with me, my answer is clear," said Queiroz.

"I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here, so what are we talking about?

"This is not for me or you to make a judgment about.

"Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day, when the river meets the ocean, we are going to find the truth."

Following the clash against Panama, Ghana will face England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before wrapping up their Group L campaign against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.

Partey remains eligible to feature in both matches in the United States.