TORONTO — Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a significant blow after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada, ruling him out of the Black Stars' tournament opener against Panama.

The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder, who is currently facing multiple sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, saw his visa application rejected by Canadian immigration authorities. As a result, he will be unable to join the Ghana squad for their match in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

FIFA Confirms Visa Refusal

In an official statement released on Friday, FIFA confirmed the development, clarifying that it has no jurisdiction over the immigration policies of host nations.

“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... as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” the statement read.

“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.”

Legal Context and Tournament Impact

Partey, a key figure in the Ghanaian midfield, has been under intense legal scrutiny regarding allegations of rape and sexual assault dating back to his time in the English Premier League. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts, and his trial is scheduled to commence in London in 2027. He remains on bail while the proceedings continue.

Despite the setback for the Toronto fixture, Partey is expected to rejoin the Ghanaian squad for their remaining Group L matches. He currently holds valid travel authorization for the United States, allowing him to participate in Ghana's upcoming games against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Government Stance

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that while it does not comment on individual cases for privacy reasons, all applicants are assessed "individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies." The IRCC emphasized that hosting a major sporting event like the FIFA World Cup does not alter Canada’s established immigration laws or security protocols.

The Ghana Football Association has yet to issue an official response to the ruling, but the team's coaching staff will now be forced to reshuffle their midfield options for the crucial opening match against Panama.