Partey Set To Miss Ghana’s World Cup Opener After Canada Denies Visa Amid Rape Case

Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback after former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada, ruling him out of the Black Stars’ opening group-stage fixture against Panama.

Partey, who is currently facing rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, was unable to secure the travel documents required to enter Canada for the match scheduled to take place in Toronto on June 18.

FIFA confirmed the development on Friday, stressing that it has no authority over immigration decisions made by host countries participating in the tournament.

In a statement, the world football governing body said Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston, United States, to Canada following the rejection of his visa application by Canadian authorities.

“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, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” FIFA said.

The organisation reiterated that visa approvals remain solely within the jurisdiction of host governments.

“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 added.

The decision represents a major blow for Ghana, with Partey widely regarded as one of the team’s most experienced and influential players heading into the tournament.

The Black Stars will launch their Group L campaign against Panama before returning to the United States for a high-profile encounter with England in Boston on June 23.

Ghana will then conclude its group-stage fixtures against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27 as it seeks a place in the knockout rounds.

The 32-year-old midfielder is currently facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has denied all allegations and remains on bail pending further legal proceedings.

While Partey’s absence affects Ghana’s plans for the opening fixture, there has been no indication that he will be unavailable for the team’s subsequent matches scheduled to be played in the United States.

The development comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, continues to navigate complex immigration and travel issues involving participating nations and players.