Canada’s immigration policy may end up influencing the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The tournament will be the first in history staged across three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, with most knockout matches set to be played in the U.S., but Canada will host two Round of 32 games and one Round of 16 match.
The issue centers on two national-team players who have been barred from entering Canada despite being allowed into the United States. Canadian authorities refused entry to Ghana’s Thomas Partey and Ivory Coast’s Wilfried Zaha because of ongoing investigations involving the two players. Partey has been accused of rape, while Zaha has been linked to match-fixing allegations. Both are still playing in the tournament and for their clubs without restriction.
That means Canada’s venues could force their teams to do without them if Ghana or Ivory Coast are drawn into knockout matches on Canadian soil. Ghana would definitely play its Round of 32 match in Toronto if it finishes second in its group, creating the unusual possibility that finishing third, if it still qualifies, could be preferable because it might avoid Canada and keep Partey available for the next round.
Ivory Coast would also play a Round of 32 match in Canada depending on which teams advance. If either team reaches a knockout game there, Partey or Zaha would likely be absent.
