Thomas Partey banned from Canada, will miss first World Cup in Ghana | News of the World Cup-2026
Party was denied a visa because of multiple rape allegations he faces in the UK.
Posted on June 13, 2026
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his team’s first World Cup match after Canada denied him a visa while he awaits trial on multiple rape charges in the United Kingdom.
FIFA said in a statement on Friday that Partey, 32, would not be able to travel from his team’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, to Ghana’s opening match against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
“The Canadian government has rejected his visa application,” world soccer’s governing body said.
“FIFA is not involved in immigration processes in host countries, including the issuing of visas. As in previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is allowed into the country.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said each person who wants to come to Canada is assessed individually “based on the facts available and the applicable law.”
“Canada is proud to be the host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians,” IRCC said in a statement.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canadian immigration law.”
The party was returning to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island after being denied a visa. He will be available to play on June 23 when Ghana plays England in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ghana will conclude group play on June 27 against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Partey is scheduled to stand trial in November or later on charges related to his 2020-25 appearance for English club Arsenal. Partey, who now plays for Villarreal in Spain, has pleaded not guilty.
Another World Cup player, Moroccan defender Ashraf Hakimi, is awaiting trial on similar charges in Paris.
Ghana is making its fifth appearance at the last six World Cups.
