THOMAS PARTEY will not be in Toronto for Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama on June 18.
The midfielder has been denied a visa to enter Canada, leaving Ghana without one of their most experienced players for the Group L game.
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Thomas Partey is set to miss Ghana’s game against Panama Credit: Getty
Why has Thomas Partey been denied entry to Canada?
Canada refused Thomas Partey’s visa application, with the decision linked to ongoing criminal proceedings against him in the UK.
He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022 and is due to stand trial next year.
He was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025 by the Metropolitan Police.
The midfielder pleaded not guilty to the charges but has since been charged with two new counts of rape.
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He also pleaded not guilty to those charges in April at Southwark Crown Court.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the charge came after it “carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence”.
Following the new charges, Partey’s defence lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated with the police throughout.
“Given there are ongoing legal proceedings, there will be no further comment”
Fifa confirmed the news in a statement reading: “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, June 17 [12am BST on June 18], 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.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada responded by saying: “Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
What is Ghana doing about Thomas Partey’s visa ban?
Ghana’s government labelled Canada’s decision “high-handed and extremely unfair” and filed for a court review of the refusal, with a hearing scheduled for 9am local time in Ottawa (2pm BST).
It was seeking permission for Partey to enter Canada briefly to play in the match, and has also asked the court to instruct Canadian immigration authorities to allow him to submit a new visa application.
But the appeal ruling said there was “no serious issue in the underlying refusal” of the visa.
It added that “the applicant failed to disclose that he is the subject of multiple criminal charges for sexual violence in the UK”.
Before the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said he had no qualms over selecting Partey for the squad.
When can Thomas Partey play for Ghana at the World Cup?
Partey will be able to play in Ghana’s next two group games, both of which take place in the US.
Ghana face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
The 33-year-old, who now plays for Spanish side Villarreal after five seasons at Arsenal, has earned 59 caps for Ghana since making his international debut in June 2016.
Ghana could also return to Canada in the last 32 if they finish as runners-up in Group L, which could raise the question of Partey’s availability once more.
