Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder cannot travel from Boston with his teammates for Thursday's Group L fixture. FIFA confirmed they have no involvement in host country immigration decisions, leaving Partey's availability for subsequent matches in question.

Partey faces serious legal proceedings, with his trial delayed until June 2027. Four women have accused him of rape and sexual assault incidents between 2020 and 2022. He currently remains on bail with conditions prohibiting contact with alleged victims. The former Arsenal player joined Villarreal in June 2025 after his £45m transfer from Atletico Madrid to the Gunners in 2020.

Ghana's remaining Group L matches will proceed without their key midfielder for the Canada leg. Partey remains eligible for the England game in Boston on June 23 and the Croatia fixture in Philadelphia on June 27. His absence creates a significant gap in Ghana's midfield options during the tournament's opening phase.

The Canadian government's visa decision highlights how off-field legal issues can impact international football. This situation demonstrates that even bailed players face travel restrictions that affect their national team contributions. FIFA's hands-off approach to immigration matters leaves little recourse for affected players or associations.