Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada ahead of the Black Stars’ FIFA World Cup opening match against Panama on Thursday.
The former Arsenal player was unable to join his teammates on the journey from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Toronto after his Canadian visa application was refused.
FIFA confirmed that the decision was made by Canadian authorities, leaving Partey unavailable for Ghana’s first Group L fixture.
A FIFA statement confirmed that immigration decisions remain under the control of host nations.
“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.”
Despite missing the opening game, Partey remains eligible to feature when Ghana face England in their second group match in Boston on June 23.
The Black Stars will then complete their group campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder is currently involved in legal proceedings after being accused of rape and sexual assault by four women over alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022.
Partey denies all allegations and remains on bail while the case continues. His trial is scheduled to begin in June 2027, with a condition that he does not contact the alleged victims.
A spokesperson for Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department explained that major sporting events do not alter the country’s immigration rules.
“Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians.
“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.
“Under Canadian law, foreign nationals can be found inadmissible without a foreign conviction.
“When there are reasonable grounds to believe an act that would trigger inadmissibility has been committed by an applicant, they can be deemed inadmissible to Canada.”
Ghana will now prepare for their World Cup opener without Partey, while hoping the experienced midfielder can join the squad for their crucial meeting with England.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
