Canada Denies Ghana Star Thomas Partey Entry for World Cup Opener

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his team’s 2026 World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto after Canada refused to let him enter the country. Partey, who played last season for Villarreal and was formerly one of Arsenal’s leading players, had been named in Ghana’s squad and joined the team’s training camp in the United States, but he will not be able to cross the border for the match on June 17.

The refusal is linked to ongoing legal proceedings against the 32-year-old in Britain. Partey faces seven rape charges and one count of sexual assault, and he denies all allegations.

In a formal statement, FIFA said the visa decision was solely the responsibility of the Canadian government and that the organization had no role in immigration matters for host countries. Under Canadian law, even someone who has not been convicted of a crime may still be considered ineligible to enter the country.

Despite missing the game against Panama, Partey is expected to be available for Ghana’s two remaining group-stage matches, against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Meanwhile, the case continues to shadow one of Ghana’s top players, and his trial in London may be postponed until early 2027.