Ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, logistical issues are emerging as significant obstacles for participating teams. Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada due to an ongoing legal case in England, preventing him from playing in Ghana’s match against Panama on June 17th. This incident follows similar travel restrictions impacting a referee scheduled to officiate qualifying games. These travel restrictions are causing concern among football officials and raising questions about fair participation in the qualifying rounds. The specific details of the referee’s travel issues have not been disclosed. These cases highlight potential broader challenges related to visa applications and international travel for athletes and officials. The situation underscores the need for streamlined processes to ensure all teams can field their full squads.