2026 World Cup: Ghana govt to challenge Canada over Thomas Partey visa denial ahead of opener against Panama

Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, says government has initiated diplomatic efforts through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant state agencies to contest Canada’s decision to deny entry to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Partey, 32, was expected to feature in Ghana’s opening Group match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto but is now set to miss the fixture after Canadian authorities refused him a visa.

The decision has been confirmed by FIFA, which indicated that the midfielder will not be able to travel from Ghana’s base in the United States to Canada for the game.

The world football governing body noted that immigration matters remain the exclusive responsibility of host nations and fall outside its jurisdiction.

Speaking in an interview with Citi FM, Mr Adams said government had already begun formal diplomatic engagement aimed at securing a reversal of the decision.

He referenced assurances from President John Dramani Mahama and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stressing that Ghana would not remain silent on issues affecting its citizens abroad.

“As has been indicated by His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, and the mandate through his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that any Ghanaian touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it. Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting them to review the decision. I hope and pray that they do what they must do, and do it right,” he said.

Mr Adams argued that the visa refusal appeared inconsistent with international conventions to which both Ghana and Canada are signatories, and expressed optimism that Canadian authorities would reconsider.

He also described the justification provided for the refusal as weak, noting that Partey has been formally charged in a legal case but has not been convicted.

“We got a decision that he had been denied entry to Canada on very flimsy reasons. I say flimsy because the person had already been charged. He has not been found guilty,” Adams said.

The minister further questioned the basis for the decision, pointing out that Partey continues to live and work in the jurisdiction where the alleged offences are said to have occurred, despite ongoing legal proceedings.

“One is therefore surprised that Canada, which is so far away, will now apply rules to the extent that where somebody has just been merely charged, that person has been deemed guilty,” he added.

If the situation remains unchanged, Partey will miss Ghana’s opener against Panama but is expected to be available for subsequent Group matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.