Ghana national team midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama in Toronto, after Canadian authorities refused to grant him entry into the country.
The 32-year-old midfielder has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from allegations made by four different women regarding incidents between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.
FIFA Confirms Canadian Government Rejected Visa Application
In an official statement, football’s world governing body (FIFA) confirmed that the former Arsenal player, who currently plies his trade for Spanish side Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training camp in Boston. This comes after his “visa application was refused by the Canadian government.”
FIFA added in its statement:
“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.”
Strict Canadian Immigration Rules Side-Line Ghanaian Star
The official guidelines on the Canadian government’s travel website state: “If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
Although Partey has maintained his innocence against all charges, is still awaiting trial, and has not been convicted, Canada’s strict immigration precautionary measures have prevented him from joining the Black Stars in Toronto. He is expected to return for the match against England, which will take place in Boston—provided that US immigration authorities do not follow Canada’s precedent.
