Mr Partey was refused a visa because he faces multiple rape charges in the UK.
Published June 13, 2026
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in the team’s opening World Cup match after Canada rejected his visa application while he awaits trial on multiple rape charges in the UK.
FIFA announced in a statement on Friday that Partey, 32, will be unable to travel from the team’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Wednesday’s opening match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto.
“His visa application has been rejected by the Canadian government,” the International Football Federation said in a statement.
“FIFA is not involved in the host country’s entry procedures, including visa checks. As with previous FIFA events, the host country’s government ultimately decides who receives a visa and is allowed entry.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a statement that all people seeking to enter Canada will be reviewed on an individual basis “based on the available facts and applicable law.”
“Canada is proud to be the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is committed to the success of the tournament while keeping Canadians safe and secure,” IRCC said in a statement.
“Canada has consistently maintained that hosting large-scale events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”
Partey was on his way back to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island after his visa was denied. He will be available for Ghana’s match against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ghana will complete group play on June 27th when they face Croatia in Philadelphia.
Partey is scheduled to go on trial in November on charges dating back to his time at English club Arsenal from 2020 to 2025. Partey, who currently plays for Villarreal in Spain, has pleaded not guilty.
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, playing in his second World Cup, is awaiting trial in Paris on similar charges.
This will be Ghana’s fifth appearance in the last six World Cups.
