Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities denied him entry into the country.
The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Villarreal CF, was expected to feature in Ghana’s Group L opener against the Panama national football team in Toronto on June 17. However, his visa application was refused, preventing him from travelling from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Canada.
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial in 2027 and has not been convicted of any offence.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal FC midfielder would be unavailable for the match in Toronto.
“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 and is admitted into the country.”
Canada’s immigration rules state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of a crime may be denied entry into the country. While Partey has not been convicted and continues to deny all allegations, Canadian authorities nonetheless refused his visa application.
Sports Minister Reacts
Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, described the decision as surprising.
According to the minister, Partey has been granted bail in the United Kingdom, where the allegations are being adjudicated, and has continued to travel freely between the UK and Spain without restrictions.
Adams argued that it was difficult to understand why Canada would deny the midfielder entry for such a significant tournament.
Queiroz Defends Selection
Prior to the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz made it clear he had no reservations about selecting Partey for the World Cup squad.”If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” said Queiroz.
“I don’t have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about?
“This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.
“Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.”
Although Partey will miss the clash against Panama, he could still feature in Ghana’s remaining Group L fixtures in the United States.
The Black Stars will face England national football team at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 23 before taking on Croatia national football team in Philadelphia on June 27, matches for which the midfielder remains eligible should travel arrangements permit.
