Ghana’s appeal to allow Partey to play in the 2026 World Cup match against Panama is denied.

A Federal High Court in Canada has confirmed the decision to deny Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country.

As a result, Partey will not be available for the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against Panama on Wednesday.

The ruling was issued on Tuesday after an appeal hearing where Partey’s legal team attempted to overturn the visa refusal.

The former Arsenal midfielder had been prohibited from traveling to Toronto with the rest of the Ghana squad.

Partey, 33, faces ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK on seven rape charges and one sexual assault count, stemming from allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with a trial scheduled for later this year.

Consequently, Partey remains barred from entering Canada, delivering a significant setback to the Black Stars on the eve of their opening Group L match against Panama.