Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into Canada.
Partey, who currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal and previously featured for Arsenal, had been named in Ghana’s squad for the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, FIFA confirmed that the 32-year-old will not be permitted to travel from Ghana’s training base in the United States to Toronto for the team’s opening Group L fixture against Panama scheduled for June 17.
In a statement, FIFA said it does not participate in immigration decisions made by host nations and noted that visa approvals remain under the authority of each country.
Partey was charged in the United Kingdom in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to the charges later that year. Additional rape charges were filed in February 2026, and he also entered not guilty pleas to those allegations.
The player is due to stand trial in London and has not been convicted.
Canada’s immigration guidelines indicate that individuals accused or convicted of certain offences may face restrictions on entry depending on admissibility assessments.
Despite missing the opening fixture in Toronto, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches, including games against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Partey had travelled with Ghana’s squad to the United States earlier this month and joined the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.
Canadian immigration authorities have not commented directly on the player’s individual case, citing privacy rules, but reiterated that decisions are made under existing immigration laws and with public safety considerations.
Partey left Arsenal in 2025 and spent the 2025–26 season with Villarreal, where he made 32 appearances. His current contract with the Spanish club is set to expire at the end of June, although an extension option remains available.
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