Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Canadian authorities denied his visa application while the midfielder awaits trial in London on multiple rape charges.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that the 32-year-old Ghana international would not be able to travel from the team’s training base in Rhode Island to Toronto for Ghana’s first group-stage match against Panama national football team.
According to FIFA, the decision regarding Partey’s entry into Canada was made solely by Canadian immigration authorities, emphasizing that the global football governing body does not interfere with immigration processes or visa decisions made by host countries during international tournaments.
In a statement, FIFA explained that while it works closely with host nations to facilitate tournament operations, final decisions regarding who is granted entry remain under the authority of each government involved in hosting the World Cup.
The Canadian government also released a statement through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, stressing that every traveler seeking entry into the country is individually assessed according to Canadian law and available facts.
Officials added that while Canada is proud to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, hosting major sporting events does not override or change the country’s immigration regulations or security policies.
Partey was reportedly returning to Ghana’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, following the visa refusal. Although he will miss the opening fixture in Toronto, he is still expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches scheduled to take place in the United States.
Ghana national football team are set to face England national football team on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before concluding the group stage against Croatia national football team in Philadelphia on June 27.
Partey is currently awaiting trial in England over allegations dating back to his time playing for Arsenal F.C. between 2020 and 2025. The midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal CF in Spain, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has already attracted significant international attention given Partey’s status as one of Ghana’s most experienced and influential footballers. The midfielder has played a major role in Ghana’s national team setup for several years and was expected to be one of the squad’s key figures during the tournament.
The visa decision is likely to create challenges for Ghana ahead of a crucial opening fixture as the team seeks a strong start in one of the most competitive World Cup tournaments in history.
Partey is not the only World Cup player currently facing legal proceedings. Achraf Hakimi of Morocco is also awaiting trial in Paris on separate allegations.
Despite the setback involving Partey, Ghana continues preparations for its fifth World Cup appearance in the last six tournaments. The Black Stars remain one of Africa’s most recognized football nations and will hope to progress beyond the group stage despite the absence of one of their senior midfielders in the opener.
Football fans across Ghana have reacted with mixed emotions online, with some expressing disappointment over Partey’s absence while others focused on the legal issues surrounding the player and the importance of respecting international laws and judicial processes.
