Ghana have been dealt a major blow ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada.
The 32-year-old will miss Ghana’s first Group L game against Panama in Toronto after his visa application was refused by the Canadian government.
Partey, who now plays for Villarreal CF, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is expected to stand trial next year.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s training camp in Boston to Canada after his visa application was rejected.
World football’s governing body said it does not take part in immigration decisions and that host governments have the final say on who is granted entry into their countries.
Canada’s immigration authorities said every visitor is assessed individually under the country’s laws and that hosting the World Cup does not change its immigration rules.
The decision means Ghana will have to face Panama without one of their most experienced players. However, Partey could still feature in Ghana’s remaining group matches, which will be played in the United States.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz had previously defended his decision to include Partey in the squad. Speaking before the tournament, Queiroz said the matter should be left to follow its legal process and that it was not for him to make a judgement.
Ghana’s second Group L match is against England in Foxborough on 23 June, before they take on Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June. Both matches are in the United States, meaning Partey could still be available if permitted to remain in the country.
The news has caused widespread reaction among Ghanaian football fans, with many expressing their disappointment on social media. Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, described the decision as “absolutely wrong”, arguing that the player has been charged but has not been found guilty.
Partey’s case is one of several immigration-related issues to emerge during the tournament. Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was reportedly questioned for hours at a Chicago airport before being allowed into the United States.
Meanwhile, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid visa. Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, had been set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.
For now, Ghana must focus on their opening game against Panama without Partey as they begin their quest to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.
