Thomas Partey awaits court ruling on Canada visa ahead of Ghana's World Cup opener

Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey is awaiting a ruling from a Federal Court after his case was heard on Tuesday as he seeks permission to travel to Canada for Ghana's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Partey's legal team is challenging an immigration decision that prevented him from entering Canada, arguing that he should be granted clearance to join the national team ahead of their Group L campaign.

The Black Stars arrived in Toronto on Monday without their deputy captain after Canadian authorities denied him entry into the country.

During Tuesday's proceedings, Partey's lawyer urged the court to overturn the decision, arguing that conditions could be imposed to permit the midfielder's temporary entry. Counsel maintained that the player had no intention of remaining in Canada beyond his football commitments.

The lawyer described the visa refusal as "unfair and incomplete" and appealed to the court to grant conditional clearance to allow Partey to travel and participate in Ghana's World Cup opener.

Emphasising the urgency of the matter, the legal team also requested an expedited ruling, citing the limited time before Ghana's first group match.

As of Tuesday evening, it remained unclear whether the judge would deliver a decision immediately, leaving the player's participation in the tournament hanging in the balance.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are scheduled to train at BMO Field as preparations continue for their crucial opening fixture against Panama on Wednesday.

Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder, is currently awaiting trial in England over rape and sexual assault charges.