Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday after Canadian authorities refused his visa application, leaving the former Arsenal midfielder stranded in Boston while his teammates prepare for the tournament. The 32-year-old, now with Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022, and is awaiting trial expected to begin in early 2027.
Fifa confirmed in a statement that Partey’s “visa application has been refused by the Canadian government”, adding: “Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries… the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.” The Canadian government’s website states that those who “have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada”, though Partey has not been convicted. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement: “Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians… every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually.”
“Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener after Canada refused his visa due to pending rape and sexual assault charges.”
Partey arrived in the United States with the Ghana squad on 4 June and has been training in Boston. A US Customs and Border Protection official noted: “The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey, however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.” The official added that admissibility determinations are made case by case, and deferred to Canada on the denial of entry. Under the conditions of his police bail, Partey is obliged to notify authorities of any plans to travel abroad.
Before the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said he had no qualms over selecting Partey: “If the player is here with me, my answer is clear… let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day w…” The Ghana FA could now lodge an appeal against the visa ban, a decision that will determine whether Partey can join his teammates for their second group match against England in Boston on 23 June.