Ghana player, facing rape charges, denied entry to Canada

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th June, 15:37 2026

Oct 14, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey (5) dribbles against Mexico during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss next week's World Cup opener against Panama after being denied entry into Canada.

The Canadian government denied a visa application for Partey, 32, who is awaiting trial in England on multiple charges of rape and sexual assault. The former Arsenal star has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Ghana's opening match in Group L is Wednesday against Panama in Toronto.

A statement from FIFA confirmed Friday that Partey will not be allowed to cross the Canadian border with his team, whose World Cup base camp is in Providence, R.I.

"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, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," read the statement obtained by The Athletic.

"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."

Partey, who currently plays for Spain's Villarreal, has scored 16 goals in 58 career caps for Ghana, including three goals during the 2026 World Cup qualifying process.

Partey presumably will rejoin Ghana for group-stage matches in the U.S. against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Mass., and against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

--Field Level Media