FIFA has issued an official statement regarding the recent visa issues faced by Thomas Partey, which will prevent him from participating in Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced midfielder is set to miss the Black Stars’ Group L match against Panama in Toronto due to the Canadian authorities’ decision to reject his visa application. Consequently, he will not be able to travel from Ghana’s team base in the United States for the fixture.
In a statement reported by The Athletic, FIFA articulated that it has no role in visa adjudications, emphasizing that the decision rests solely with the host nation’s government. The statement read:
“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 the Canadian government has refused his visa application.
“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.”
This decision confirms that the 32-year-old midfielder will miss the highly anticipated encounter against Panama on June 17.