Partey visa denial rocks Ghana ahead of World Cup opener

Partey denied Canada visa, Ghana protests

Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's World Cup opener against Canada on Wednesday. The Canadian embassy denied your star midfielder a visa. Ghana's government has filed an official protest, calling the decision "high-handed and extremely unfair" (1) (2) (5).

No reason has been given for the denial. The Black Stars face Canada in their first Group D match on June 17, without their most influential midfield presence (3) (4).

Opening day also features Switzerland vs Qatar

Switzerland and Qatar meet Saturday at 21:00 in the other match on the World Cup's opening day. Ghana's group-stage path runs through these fixtures, with Canada first up on Wednesday (1).

Fan reactions

Ghanaian supporters online are furious. Many are questioning whether this was a tactical move by Canada to weaken a group opponent rather than a genuine visa issue. The mood is one of disbelief, losing Partey days before a World Cup opener feels, to many fans, like the competition's integrity is already in question. Join the discussion.