Ottawa, CANADA – Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities denied him entry ahead of the Black Stars’ clash with Panama in Toronto.
FIFA confirmed that the 32-year-old, who currently plays for Villarreal and previously featured for Arsenal, was unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston after his visa application was rejected by the Canadian government. The world football governing body stressed that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host nations and are outside FIFA’s control. Partey is currently facing seven rape charges and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial.
Canadian immigration authorities declined to discuss the specific case but stated that entry decisions are made under Canadian law and may be refused where officials believe an individual could pose a security concern. United States border officials, however, said Partey was admitted into the US because he has not been convicted of any offence. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz had previously defended the decision to include Partey in his World Cup squad, insisting that any judgment should be left to the legal process. Ghana are scheduled to face England and Croatia in their remaining Group L fixtures in the United States, matches in which Partey could still be eligible to participate.
