Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his team's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.
Ghana are scheduled to face Panama in Toronto on 17 June. FIFA confirmed that Partey cannot travel from the team's base in Boston because his visa was refused by the Canadian government.
The 32-year-old, who plays for Villarreal, faces charges including seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial, originally set for November, is now expected in 2027.
Ghana's remaining group matches against England and Croatia will be played in the United States. Should the team advance to the round of 32, that fixture is also scheduled for Toronto.
