The former Arsenal midfielder is included in Ghana’s squad for the North American competition, but will miss the first match against Panama.
Thomas Partey was refused entry to Canada for the World Cup. (Image: Katherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening World Cup match after being refused entry to Canada for the match. The Black Stars are scheduled to play Panama on Wednesday night at BMO Field in Toronto, but they will have to do so without a party.
Partey is in the United States with the Ghanaian team for the tournament and will travel to Rhode Island with the team on Friday. However, his visa application was rejected by Canada.
The Villarreal star was charged by the Metropolitan Police in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty in September, but was charged with two new counts of rape in February, and pleaded not guilty to those charges in April.
“FIFA can confirm that Thomas Partey will not be able to travel to Canada from the Ghana national team’s base camp in Boston, USA, for the first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been rejected by the Canadian government,” FIFA confirmed in a statement.
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“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.”
The Canadian government refuses to issue visas to people who have “committed or been convicted of a crime.”
However, the Ghana FA may appeal the ban in the future as Partey is still awaiting trial and has not been found guilty. Partey is still awaiting a trial date, which is expected to begin in early 2027.
However, under the terms of his police bail, Mr Partey is obliged to inform authorities of his plans to travel abroad. Police launched an investigation into Partey in 2022 after allegations were made against him.
Canadian immigration, refugee and civil rights organizations previously told The Athletic: “Without a signed consent form, IRCC cannot provide details about individual circumstances.
“However, the safety and security of Canadians is our top priority as we welcome FIFA World Cup participants and visitors from around the world.
“That is why IRCC applies its rules consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile or role in the tournament.
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“IRCC officers are trained decision-makers who assess an individual’s eligibility and admission in accordance with Canadian immigration law. If they determine that an individual may pose a security risk, they may decide to deny entry.”
Following the match against Panama, Ghana will face England at Boston Stadium on Tuesday 23 June (kick-off 9pm). They then face Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 27th (kick-off 10pm), but barring injury Partey should be available for both games in the United States.
The midfielder played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2025 before joining Villarreal as a free agent last summer. Partey has appeared in three World Cups and will play every minute for his country at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He is the vice-captain of the national team and has a total of 57 caps.
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