Ghana: The Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities denied his visa application while he awaits trial on multiple rape charges in the United Kingdom.
FIFA confirmed that the 32-year-old midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Smithfield, Rhode Island, to Toronto for the team’s Group Stage clash against Panama. In a statement, FIFA stated that, “The Canadian government has refused his visa application.”
The world football governing body added that it has no role in the immigration decisions of host nations, noting that visa approvals remain the responsibility of the respective governments. Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reiterated that all visa applicants are assessed individually according to existing laws and regulations.
IRCC remarked that, “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. Hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”
Following the visa rejection, Partey returned to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island. However, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s subsequent group-stage matches, including the encounter against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 23 and the final group fixture against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Partey is due to stand trial in the United Kingdom in November or later over allegations linked to his time with Arsenal between 2020 and 2025. The former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Ghana international is not the only World Cup participant facing legal proceedings. Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi is also awaiting trial in Paris on similar allegations. Ghana are competing in their fifth World Cup in the last six editions and now face the challenge of beginning their campaign without one of their most experienced midfielders. The absence of Partey could prove significant as the Black Stars seek a positive start against Panama in Toronto.
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