2026 World Cup: Ghana escalates diplomatic efforts after Canada denies Thomas Partey visa ahead of opener against Panama

The Government of Ghana has formally protested Canada's decision to deny Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey a visa ahead of the country's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as unfair and pledging to pursue all available diplomatic and legal avenues to secure a review of the decision.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, June 13, the government expressed "strong reservations" over what it called Canada's "high-handed and extremely unfair decision" to refuse a temporary residence application submitted by Partey, a key member of Ghana's national team.

The Black Stars are scheduled to begin their Group L campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, with Partey's availability now in doubt following the decision by Canadian immigration authorities.

According to the statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based its decision on inadmissibility provisions under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Ghanaian authorities said they understood the ruling to be linked to pending criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom.

However, the government stressed that the proceedings have not resulted in a conviction or any judicial finding of guilt and reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of the presumption of innocence.

"The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies," the statement said.

While acknowledging Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana argued that relying on unproven allegations in the absence of a judicial determination raises serious concerns regarding fairness and proportionality.

The Ministry revealed that Ghana has already initiated active diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities in an effort to reverse the decision.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, requesting a review of what it described as an unfortunate decision.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also personally engaged Canadian officials, including Canada's High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, as part of ongoing efforts to find a resolution before Ghana's opening World Cup fixture.

"The Government of Ghana is determined to explore and pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law," the statement noted, adding that judicial review before Canada's Federal Court remains among the options being considered.

The government further highlighted the significance of Partey's inclusion in Ghana's World Cup squad and urged Canada to reconsider its position in the interests of fairness, due process and the broader spirit of international sport.

Officials expressed hope that longstanding bilateral relations between Ghana and Canada would help facilitate an amicable and timely resolution to the matter.

Despite the diplomatic row, Ghana reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with Canadian authorities and its respect for the rule of law, human rights and due process.

The visa controversy comes just days before the Black Stars begin their World Cup campaign in a challenging Group L, which also features England, Croatia and Panama.

Partey, one of Ghana's most experienced players, was expected to play a pivotal role in the team's quest to advance beyond the group stage.

His potential absence would represent a significant setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad as they prepare for one of the most important tournaments in the country's football history.

Ghanaian officials remain hopeful that ongoing discussions with Canada will lead to a favourable outcome before kickoff, with the government emphasizing that football should continue to serve as a force for unity, friendship and fair play among nations.