Ghana have suffered a significant setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada. The former Arsenal star, now playing for Villarreal, will miss the Black Stars' Group L opener against Panama at Toronto's BMO Field on June 17 after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.
Visa Refusal Confirmed by FIFA
In a statement to the New York Times, FIFA confirmed that immigration matters rest with host countries. The world football governing body explained: "FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government." FIFA added that it is not involved in immigration processes and that host governments ultimately decide who receives a visa.
Partey had been named in Ghana's World Cup squad and traveled with the team to the United States earlier this month. He arrived in Washington D.C. on June 4 before the squad moved to their training base in Rhode Island. However, the 32-year-old will now be forced to sit out the opening fixture, though he remains eligible to feature in Ghana's remaining group matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The Ghana international faces multiple sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom. He was initially charged by London's Metropolitan Police in July 2025 with five counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault. In September 2025, he pleaded not guilty to those accusations. Further charges were added in February 2026, involving two additional sexual assault allegations from another complainant, which he also denied in April 2026.
The eight charges in total relate to four women and concern alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. The case is scheduled to be heard at Southwark Crown Court in London, with reports suggesting the trial may be delayed until early 2027. Under his bail conditions, Partey is required to notify authorities whenever he intends to travel abroad.
Canada's Security Stance
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada previously emphasized that security considerations remain paramount. In a statement to The New York Times, the agency said: "We can, however, state that the safety and security of Canadians is our priority as we welcome FIFA World Cup participants and visitors from around the world." The agency added that it applies its rules consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament. Officers assess an individual's eligibility and admissibility under Canadian immigration laws, and if a security risk is perceived, entry may be denied.
Partey's Football Career Amid Charges
Despite the ongoing criminal proceedings, Partey continued playing professional football. He made 35 Premier League appearances in his final season with Arsenal before joining Villarreal, where he featured 32 times during the 2025-26 campaign. His contract with the Spanish club expires later this month, although an option exists to extend by another year.
The absence of one of Ghana's most experienced players is a significant blow for the Black Stars, who aimed to make a strong start at the tournament. Coach Otto Addo's side will now face Panama without the midfielder before taking on England and Croatia in their remaining group matches.
CAF Backs Ghana
Earlier, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sent a message of support to Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars are among 10 African nations representing the continent at the tournament staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
