Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada.
The experienced midfielder will miss Ghana’s Group L encounter against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
Partey, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal, is facing seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. The allegations involve four women and relate to incidents said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022. The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due to stand trial next year.
FIFA confirmed that Partey would not be able to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Canada because his visa request had been rejected by the Canadian government.
The world football governing body explained that it does not take part in visa decisions, adding that host countries have the final authority on who is allowed to enter their borders.
Canadian officials also stated that every visitor is assessed under the country’s immigration laws and that hosting the World Cup does not change those rules.
Despite missing the Panama game, Partey could still play in Ghana’s remaining group matches because they will take place in the United States. Ghana are scheduled to face England in Foxborough before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia.
Before the tournament, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad. The Portuguese manager said the legal process should be allowed to run its course and that it was not his place to judge the situation.
The decision has sparked strong reactions among Ghanaian supporters, with many expressing surprise and disappointment. Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, criticised the ruling, saying it was unfair because the player has not been convicted of any offence.
Partey’s case is one of several immigration issues to affect participants at the World Cup. Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for several hours before being allowed into the United States, while Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry despite holding a valid visa.
For now, Ghana must begin their World Cup campaign without one of their key players as they prepare for a crucial opening match against Panama.
