Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly been refused entry into Canada ahead of the country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning he will miss Ghana’s clash against the Panama national football team in Toronto.
The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Villarreal CF, had been training with Ghana’s squad in Boston, United States, but was unable to travel to Canada after his visa application was reportedly refused by Canadian authorities.
According to reports, the decision is linked to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom involving allegations made by four women relating to incidents between 2020 and 2022.
Partey is currently on bail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Reports state he is facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with his trial now scheduled to begin in June 2027.
FIFA confirmed that it does not take part in immigration decisions made by host countries.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the governing body said, adding that host governments ultimately determine who is granted entry.
Canadian authorities reportedly said hosting the World Cup does not change immigration laws and that foreign nationals may be found inadmissible even without a foreign conviction where legal thresholds are met.
Despite missing the opening fixture in Canada, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches in the United States, including their highly anticipated clash against the England national football team on 23 June in Boston.
His absence is a major setback for Ghana as the Black Stars begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most experienced midfielders.
