Thomas Partey's visa appeal reaches Canadian Federal Court ahead of Ghana's World Cup opener

Thomas Partey's bid to overturn Canada's decision to deny him entry for Ghana's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially reached the Federal Court of Canada.A hearing list published by the court shows that a motion for an interlocutory injunction involving the Ghana midfielder was scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, under the case Thomas Teye Partey v.

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.The listing identifies the matter as case number IMM-12882-26, with the hearing scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and allocated one hour.The court proceedings represent the latest step in Ghana's efforts to secure Partey's availability for Wednesday's Group L opener against Panama in Toronto.The Black Stars arrived in Canada on Monday without the Arsenal midfielder, who remained in the United States after Canadian authorities refused him a Temporary Resident Visa.The Government of Ghana has mounted both diplomatic and legal efforts to challenge the decision.Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that discussions have been held with Canadian authorities while insisting that every available diplomatic channel is being explored to resolve the matter before Ghana's opening fixture.Ghana argues that Partey has not been convicted of any offence and should benefit from the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.The visa refusal is understood to be linked to the midfielder's ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.The Federal Court hearing is expected to determine whether interim relief can be granted to allow the 31-year-old to enter Canada while the broader immigration matter is considered.Should the appeal succeed, Partey could still join the Black Stars in Toronto before their clash with Panama.

If the application is unsuccessful, Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most experienced players.After the Panama fixture, the Black Stars return to the United States for Group L matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, where Partey remains eligible to play.