2026 World Cup: FIFA releases statement on why Canada's Thomas Partey was suspended in the Black Stars' first match!

The fans didn't have to wait long before FIFA released an official statement explaining the main reason behind preventing Thomas Eberty, the Ghanaian team's midfielder, from entering Canada to participate in Ghana's first match in the 2026 World Cup.

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Ghana will be without the services of the former Arsenal player in their first World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused to grant the player a visa to enter the country.

FIFA's statement on this issue

What angered the fans was that they were actually expecting the player to be among the names participating in the first match, and what angered the Ghanaian fans even more was that FIFA said in its official statement that it has no involvement in visa matters in the host country.

FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as the Canadian government has refused his visa application.

FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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