ACCRA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is set to miss the FIFA World Cup Group L opener against Panama after a Canadian court dismissed his visa appeal on Tuesday.

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey departs following his hearing at the Southwark Crown Court in London on April 13, 2026. (File photo: AFP)

According to the ruling delivered by Roger R. Lafreniere, the court declined to expedite the matter or compel immigration authorities to reconsider their decision before Ghana's World Cup fixtures.

The judge held that Partey had failed to establish a "serious issue" with the original refusal and did not meet the legal threshold required for extraordinary relief.

Lafreniere further stated that the Ghanaian international had been put on notice about concerns arising from the multiple rape and sexual assault charges he faces in Britain but had failed to sufficiently address those concerns during the visa process.

The decision means Partey remains unable to enter Canada at this stage, placing his participation in Ghana's remaining matches in further doubt unless relief is subsequently granted through the reconsideration or temporary resident permit process.

The Canadian government refused a visa for Partey last week, after which his lawyers launched a last-minute appeal to the Federal Court in Ottawa, seeking to overturn the decision.

The 33-year-old is among Ghana's 26-man World Cup squad named by Carlos Queiroz.

Ghana will play Panama on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia.