Carlos Queiroz included Thomas Partey in Ghana’s World Cup squad based on the midfielder’s long-standing status within the Black Stars. Partey, who turns 33 on June 13, has featured at the highest levels of European football, including the 2016 Champions League final, has won trophies in England and Spain and has represented Ghana at four major tournaments.
The build-up to the tournament suffered a significant blow when Partey was refused entry to Canada, ruling him out at least of Ghana’s opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued a statement to ESPN on behalf of minister Lena Diab, saying, “Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws” and noting each person is assessed individually.
FIFA confirmed that Partey was unable to travel from Ghana’s team base in Boston to Canada and reaffirmed the Canadian government’s authority to determine admission. Partey has been charged by London’s Metropolitan Police with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault; his trial is scheduled to begin in June 2027.
On the field, the gap between Partey’s recent performances and his previous influence has grown, the report says. The 2025-26 season at Villarreal was described as disappointing, with Partey starting just eight La Liga games as he struggled to establish himself in the club’s starting eleven, and the explosive athleticism that once defined his game appears to have diminished.
Ghana’s recent 0-0 friendly with Wales was cited as evidence of Partey’s limited impact. Observers noted he struggled to impose himself, appeared sluggish in possession, produced poor decision-making and avoided a sending-off after a series of poorly timed challenges. The player looked rusty, lacked intensity and fell short of the form around which Queiroz might have built his midfield plans.
While Partey’s absence represents an on-paper setback for the Black Stars, the situation has also dominated World Cup preparation, repeatedly emerging at media conferences. The report notes that, in his absence, Ghana may be compelled to adjust and find alternative ways to perform at the tournament.
