Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match in the FIFA World Cup due to visa issues preventing his entry into Canada. Ghana is set to face Panama on Wednesday, June 17, at BMO Field in Toronto. However, Partey’s visa application has been denied by the Canadian authorities.
Background of Thomas Partey’s Legal Issues
The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, now with Villarreal, has faced serious legal troubles. In July 2025, he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police in London. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Recent Developments
In February 2026, two additional counts of rape were added. Partey again pleaded not guilty in April. The trial for these charges is set to be heard at Southwark Crown Court in London and was initially scheduled for November but may be postponed until early 2027.
Impact on Ghana’s World Cup Campaign
Ghana had included Partey in their squad for the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The national team arrived in Washington D.C. on June 4 and later moved to their training base in Rhode Island.
Upcoming Matches
Following their match against Panama, Ghana will take on England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23. They will close out Group L against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27. Partey is eligible to play in these two subsequent games.
FIFA and Immigration Response
According to a FIFA statement, “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.” The Canadian government restricts entry for individuals who have committed crimes, even if they have not yet been convicted.
Note on Canadian Immigration Protocols
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has emphasized that they apply rules consistently to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. They assess eligibility based on immigration laws, and if an individual is deemed a security risk, entry can be denied.
Current Club Status
Partey moved from Arsenal to Villarreal in June 2025. He played 35 matches for Arsenal during the 2024-25 Premier League season before transferring. In his first season at Villarreal, he participated in 32 domestic games. His contract with the Spanish club is set to expire at the end of June, though a one-year extension option exists.
- Match Schedule:
- June 17: Ghana vs. Panama
- June 23: Ghana vs. England
- June 27: Ghana vs. Croatia
