Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry into Canada.
The 32-year-old, who was selected for his second World Cup, was refused a visa by the Canadian authorities, according to a statement from FIFA. The governing body said it does not take part in immigration decisions, adding that host countries ultimately determine entry requirements.
FIFA explained that Partey was unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston after his visa application was rejected. Canadian entry rules state that individuals who have been accused or convicted of certain crimes may be deemed inadmissible.
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year and has not been convicted.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz previously defended his decision to include the midfielder in the squad, stating that selection decisions rest solely with the technical team.
Ghana will now have to adjust their midfield plans ahead of their opening Group L fixture, with subsequent matches against England and Croatia still to come in the tournament.
