Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his national team’s World Cup opener against Panama in Canada after being denied a visa. The decision stems from ongoing rape charges against him in Britain, which prompted Ottawa to block his entry. Ghana’s government challenged the denial with an injunction request in federal court, but it was dismissed. Despite the setback, Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz stated the team is prepared to compete regardless of Partey’s availability, and Panama’s coach believes Ghana remains a formidable opponent even without him. Ghana’s Foreign Minister has protested the decision as “unfair,” and has formally requested a review from Canada. Canadian authorities maintain that hosting the World Cup does not alter standard immigration procedures.