Thomas Partey misses Ghana’s World Cup opener after Canada denies entry

Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Panama after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada following the refusal of his visa application.

The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, is facing seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due to stand trial next year.

FIFA confirmed that the former Ghana captain will be unable to travel from the Black Stars’ training base in Boston, United States, to Toronto for the Group L opener after Canadian authorities rejected his visa request.

In a statement, world football’s governing body said it had no role in immigration decisions made by host nations.

FIFA noted that visa approvals and entry permissions remain solely the responsibility of the governments of the tournament’s host countries.

Canada’s immigration authorities reiterated that hosting the World Cup does not alter the country's immigration laws.

Officials stated that every visitor is assessed individually under existing legislation and that decisions are based on available facts and legal requirements.

Under Canadian immigration regulations, individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes may be denied entry.

Although Partey has not been convicted and continues to deny all allegations, Canadian authorities exercised their discretion in refusing his application.

By contrast, United States officials confirmed that Partey was admitted into the country after receiving a visa and undergoing the normal assessment process.

US Customs and Border Protection stated that admissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and that questions regarding Canada’s decision should be directed to Canadian authorities.

The Ghana Football Association has yet to issue an official response.

However, Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams criticised the decision, describing it as ‘Absolutely wrong’ given that the player has been charged but not convicted.

Before the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad.

The Portuguese manager said he would not pass judgment on an ongoing legal matter and insisted the midfielder remained available for selection.

Despite missing the opening fixture in Toronto, Partey could still feature later in the tournament.

Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches against England in Foxborough and Croatia in Philadelphia will both be played in the United States, where he remains eligible to travel.

The situation is the latest immigration-related controversy to affect World Cup 2026.

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was temporarily detained and questioned upon arrival in the United States before eventually being admitted.

Iran have reportedly faced visa complications affecting members of their delegation and supporters, while Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States over alleged associations with suspected extremist figures, claims he strongly rejects.

For Ghana, however, the immediate concern is preparing for their World Cup opener without one of their most experienced players as they begin their campaign against Panama.