FIFA confirms Canada’s decision to block Partey from World Cup opener (opens original article in a new tab)

FIFA confirmed Ghana's Thomas Partey will miss the World Cup opener against Panama due to a Canadian visa refusal, as Canada enforces strict immigration rules. Partey faces UK rape charges but has pleaded not guilty. He will be available for later matches in the US.

• FIFA confirmed Thomas Partey cannot enter Canada for World Cup opener due to visa refusal
• Partey faces rape charges in UK but has pleaded not guilty
• Canada prioritizes safety, applying immigration rules strictly to all tournament participants
• Ghana must play Group L match against Panama without Partey, a key midfielder
• Partey remains eligible for subsequent World Cup matches in the US