The Government of Ghana’s efforts to overturn Thomas Partey’s entry ban into Canada have failed, ruling the midfielder out of the Black Stars’ opening match against Panama at the 2
The report indicates that the Government of Ghana’s efforts to overturn Thomas Partey’s entry ban into Canada have failed, ruling the midfielder out of the Black Stars’ opening match against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It further notes that a Federal Court hearing in Ottawa upheld the decision to deny the 33-year-old entry into Canada.
Partey was refused a visa because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, with the court ruling that he had failed to disclose the charges in his application.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022, is due to stand trial next year.
The ruling means Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign without one of the most influential figures of the last decade.
But just how much will Carlos Queiroz’s side miss him against Panama?
From the dusty pitches of Odometah to spells at Leganés, Atlético Madrid, Arsenal and Villarreal, Partey’s rise has been built on intelligence and technical excellence rather than mere hype.
His importance to the Black Stars has rarely been questioned.
While Partey’s influence is often felt through his positioning and decision-making, the statistics from his final full Premier League season at Arsenal provide further evidence of his value.
In the 2024/25 campaign, Partey made 35 league appearances and averaged 65.4 touches per match, significantly more than Declan Rice’s 57.6 – the Englishman is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.
The figures paint a picture of a midfielder capable of controlling matches, disrupting opponents and progressing the ball forward efficiently.
At his best, Partey is not simply a destroyer. He is a conductor.
His impact was equally evident during Ghana’s journey to the World Cup.
Partey scored three goals and provided two assists in seven qualifying appearances, making him Ghana’s second-highest scorer behind Jordan Ayew.
