Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will be absent for the Black Stars' opening fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was refused entry into Canada.

Partey was denied permission to cross into the country, ruling him out of Ghana's Group Stage clash against Panama — the team's first match at the tournament.

The absence of Partey is a significant blow to Ghana, as the former Arsenal and current Atlético de Madrid midfielder is one of the Black Stars' most influential figures and their captain.