Canada Denies Thomas Partey Visa for Ghana World Cup Opener

Thomas Partey denied Canada visa for Ghana's World Cup opener amid UK rape trial. FIFA confirms Black Stars star will miss Panama.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey in Black Stars training kit ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Toronto — Ghana's Black Stars will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup without midfielder Thomas Partey.

The 32-year-old was refused entry into Canada for Ghana's Group L opener against Panama next week, after Canadian authorities turned down his visa application.

FIFA confirmed the decision on Friday, saying Partey was unable to travel with the rest of the Ghana squad from their US base in Boston to Toronto.

Visa Refused Over Pending UK Case

Partey, who left Arsenal for Villarreal in June 2025, is facing criminal charges in the United Kingdom.

He is accused of sexual offences involving four women, alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.

UK prosecutors first charged him in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to incidents in 2021 and 2022. In February 2026, two further rape charges dating back to December 2020 were added.

In total, Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing.

He is currently on bail, with a court condition barring contact with the alleged victims. His next hearing is set for October 2, 2026, with a full trial scheduled to begin on June 8, 2027.

US Cleared Him, Canada Said No

While Canada refused him entry, the United States admitted him earlier this month.

In a statement to Sky Sports News, US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Partey was inspected and admitted into the US on June 3, 2026.

"The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey; however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime," the CBP said.

The agency said admissibility decisions are made case-by-case, and deferred questions on the Canada denial to Canadian authorities.

FIFA also distanced itself from the decision, stating: "FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa."