Partey Blocked at the Border Before Ghana's opener

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been unable to join his team-mates in Toronto for their World Cup Group L opener against Panama, according to Sky Sports. FIFA confirmed that Partey could not travel from Ghana's United States base in Boston after his visa application ran into problems at the border.

The incident adds to a broader pattern of visa difficulties that have clouded this World Cup, with Ghana now facing the prospect of their opener without one of their most experienced players.

Ghana are due to face Panama in Toronto on Wednesday evening, and the clock is ticking on any resolution that might get Partey into the country in time.