Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his team’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama after being refused entry to Canada, where the game is scheduled in Toronto. Multiple outlets report the refusal is linked to a visa application being denied by the Canadian government. FIFA confirms that Partey cannot travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for the match on Wednesday, 17 June. As a result, he will not play in Ghana’s first tournament game. Several reports also note that Partey is facing allegations related to rape charges, and one outlet specifically frames the denial in that context, though the public explanation cited across coverage centers on the visa decision by Canadian authorities. Sources agree that Partey had been included in Ghana’s tournament squad, but the entry refusal prevents him from appearing against Panama in Toronto.