FIFA speaks out
Confusion about Ghana star: Canada refuses entry
June 12, 2026 – 8:04 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Thomas Partey’s nomination for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico already sparked criticism. Now it’s clear: he won’t be able to help his team at the start. Reason. Serious allegations.
A bitter blow for Ghana shortly before the start of the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico: Top performer Thomas Partey will not be available for the country in the opening game in Canada. The Canadian authorities have refused entry to the midfielder.
As FIFA announced on Friday, Partey’s visa application was rejected by the Canadian government. The professional from Spanish club Villarreal FC cannot therefore travel from the Ghanaian training camp in Boston to Toronto. “The Athletic” first reported.
The world association pointed out that visa decisions are made exclusively by the respective states. “Fifa is not involved in the immigration policy of host countries, this includes issuing visas.” What’s more: “The host government ultimately decides who receives a visa and is allowed to enter the country.”
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Partey has been on trial in London since April on allegations of abuse, with the next hearing scheduled for October. The Villareal FC player is accused of raping a woman twice in London in December 2020. Partey pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court in London. A verdict should not be made before mid-2027.
The footballer was previously charged in July 2025 with five additional cases of rape and one case of sexual assault, relating to the years 2021 and 2022. At that time he was under contract with Arsenal FC. The allegations come from several women. The midfielder also rejected all allegations back then.
Ghana will play its opening World Cup game against Panama in Toronto on the night of Wednesday to Thursday German time (1:00 a.m./MagentaTV). Partey has already played 57 international matches for the “Black Stars”, and the 32-year-old was on the pitch in the friendly against Germany in Stuttgart in March.