Thomas Partey to miss Ghana’s 2026 World Cup opener after Canada denies him visa amid rape allegations
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama in Toronto after he was denied visa to enter Canada amid his pending rape case in the United Kingdom.
According to The Athletic, FIFA confirmed the development to the news agency in a statement on Friday, with the world football’s governing body reiterating that it has no power to determine host countries’ immigration process.
“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country,” the statement said.
The Black Stars of Ghana are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 18 before facing England in their second group game in Boston five days later.
Ghana will play Croatia in their last Group L match in Philadelphia on June 27.
The 32-year-old is facing seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault. He has denied every allegation and remains on bail.
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