Thomas Partey to miss Ghana's World Cup opener after Canada denies entry

By Evelyn Mensah — 17 June 2026 — 3 min read

Thomas Partey, a midfielder for Ghana, will not participate in the team’s opening World Cup match against Panama after a Canadian federal court rejected his appeal for entry into the country. The decision means Partey will remain in the United States while his teammates compete in Toronto.

Partey’s visa application was initially denied due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. He faces seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty to these charges and is scheduled to stand trial next year.

The Ghanaian government sought permission for Partey to enter Canada temporarily for the game, but this appeal was rejected by a federal court in Ottawa. The court’s ruling stated there was “no serious issue in the underlying refusal” of the visa and noted that Partey “failed to disclose that he is the subject of multiple criminal charges for sexual violence in the UK.”

Visa denial and legal proceedings

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officials had previously expressed concerns to Partey regarding whether his application met the requirement to “answer truthfully.” They referenced legislation concerning misrepresentation, which could impact a visa. The court also highlighted that under immigration rules, having “reasonable grounds to believe that an offence has been committed is sufficient” to deem an applicant inadmissible, and a conviction is not required.

Documents filed in court indicated that Partey had claimed he had not been charged with any criminal offenses in any country when he applied to enter Canada before the tournament. He was later asked by Canadian immigration officials to clarify the charges he was facing in the UK.

In a statement submitted to the court, Partey affirmed his innocence, stating, “I have not been convicted of any offense. I have pleaded not guilty, and I remain presumed innocent.” He also pledged to remain under the constant supervision of team officials and to depart Canada with the team if he were permitted entry.

Canadian officials have maintained that immigration decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and hosting major events like the World Cup does not alter Canada‘s immigration laws. Justice Roger Lafrenière, who heard the emergency application, sided with Canada‘s immigration rules, stating that Partey did not demonstrate grounds for emergency relief.

Impact on Ghana’s World Cup campaign

Despite the setback for the opening match, Partey remains eligible to play in Ghana‘s subsequent World Cup fixtures, both of which are scheduled to take place in the United States. Ghana is set to play England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Ghana‘s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, addressed the situation before the ruling, stating he was prepared to “play with the cards that I have in front of me.” He added, “We are waiting for a decision. When the decision [arrives], we are ready.”

Brandon Thomas-Asante, a forward for Ghana, acknowledged the situation, calling Partey a “tremendous player” and describing it as an “unfortunate situation.” He emphasized the team’s need to adapt. Midfielder Kwasi Sibo also expressed the team’s commitment, saying, “As a team, as a family, we are going to give everything for him to be happy and be proud of us.”

Partey, who previously played for Arsenal and now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, has represented Ghana since his debut in June 2016. Ghana could potentially return to Canada for the last 32 stage of the tournament if they finish as runners-up in Group L.