BOSTON — Ghana’s World Cup campaign has been hit by a major off-field distraction after star midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada ahead of the Black Stars’ tournament opener against Panama.
The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, who currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal, was forced to remain at Ghana’s training base in Boston, Massachusetts, while the rest of the squad traveled to Toronto for Thursday’s Group L clash.
FIFA confirmed the development, noting that Partey’s visa application was rejected directly by the Canadian government.
”FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” football’s governing body said in a statement. “The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Strict Canadian Immigration Laws Trigger Exclusion
Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) defended the decision, emphasizing that hosting a major sporting tournament does not grant exemptions from the nation’s strict border laws. Under Canadian legislation, foreign nationals can be deemed inadmissible even without a formal criminal conviction if there are “reasonable grounds” to believe an offense was committed.
Partey is currently on bail in the United Kingdom, facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four different women. The alleged incidents took place between 2020 and 2022 during his time living in Hertfordshire while playing for Arsenal. Partey has vehemently denied all charges.
While Canada closed its borders to the midfielder, the United States allowed him entry. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that Partey was admitted into the country on June 3, 2026, citing that he has not been convicted of a crime and possesses a valid US visa.
Available for England Clash
Despite missing the opening match in Toronto, Partey remains eligible and available for Ghana’s subsequent group-stage fixtures, which are both hosted in the United States.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face England in a highly anticipated match in Boston on Tuesday, June 23, before wrapping up their group campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Prolonged Legal Battle Awaits
The visa denial marks the latest chapter in a protracted legal saga for the Ghanaian international.
- July 2025: Charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following his summer transfer from Arsenal to Villarreal.
- February 2026: Hit with two additional rape charges dating back to December 2020.
- October 2, 2026: Date set for the next formal court hearing.
- June 8, 2027: The official trial is scheduled to begin, following recent delays.
The Ghanaian Football Association has yet to release an official statement regarding how they plan to manage Partey’s absence for the opening match.
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