By Emmanuel Nduka
Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada ahead of the Black Stars’ opening Group L clash against Panama.
The 32-year-old former Arsenal star was unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston, United States, to Toronto after Canadian authorities reportedly refused his visa application, ruling him out of the team’s tournament opener scheduled for Thursday.
According to FIFA, the decision was made by the Canadian government, stressing that immigration approvals remain the sovereign responsibility of host nations.
“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 world football governing body said.
Partey’s visa troubles come amid ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he faces multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault involving four women over incidents alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Spanish side Villarreal after leaving Arsenal in 2025, has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to every charge against him.
Court records indicate that Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. His trial has been scheduled to begin in June 2027, while a further hearing is expected later this year. He remains on bail pending the outcome of the case.
Despite being unable to feature in Ghana’s opening match in Canada, Partey is still expected to be available for the Black Stars’ second group-stage fixture against England in Boston on June 23, subject to travel and tournament arrangements. Ghana’s final Group L match is against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
The development represents a significant blow to Ghana’s World Cup ambitions, given Partey’s experience and influence in midfield. The Black Stars will now begin their campaign against Panama without one of their most experienced players as they seek to advance from a challenging group.
Officials of the Ghana Football Association have yet to issue a formal response, while Canadian immigration authorities have not publicly disclosed the reasons behind the visa refusal.
The incident has once again highlighted the complex intersection of international sporting events, national immigration policies, and ongoing legal proceedings involving high-profile athletes.
