Why was Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada?

He faces sexual assault charges in the UK, and the Canadian government denied his visa application.

Can Partey play in the remaining group matches?

Yes, he is expected to participate in the two group games held in the United States.

When is Ghana's first match in the 2026 World Cup?

Ghana plays Panama on June 17, 2026, in Canada.

How has FIFA responded to this incident?

FIFA stated it does not interfere in host countries' visa decisions and has not formally protested.

Ghana Midfielder Partey Denied Canadian Visa Over Sexual Assault Allegations, Misses World Cup Opener

Q: What are the allegations against Partey?

He is accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022 by four women.

Published Jun 13, 2026 6:22 PM ・ Updated Jun 18, 2026 9:15 PM ・ 3 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada due to pending sexual assault charges in the UK, forcing him to miss the team's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Panama. FIFA confirmed the visa denial but stated it does not intervene in host nations' immigration decisions.

2026 FIFA World Cup Key News

Central News Agency, Toronto, December 12 — According to international wire reports, FIFA announced today that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will be unable to participate in his team's opening group stage match in Canada due to a visa denial. The decision stems from Partey's pending trial in the UK on sexual assault charges.

Agence France-Presse reported that FIFA confirmed 'Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana's training base in Boston, USA, to Canada for the opening match against Panama on June 17, as the Canadian government has rejected his visa application.'

FIFA emphasized that it does not intervene in host countries' immigration procedures, including visa approval decisions.

Partey is still expected to participate in the two subsequent group stage matches to be held in the United States. In Group L, Ghana will face England and Croatia.

The 33-year-old Partey previously played for English Premier League powerhouse Arsenal and currently plays for Villarreal in Spain's La Liga.

Partey faces allegations from four women, accusing him of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022. He denies all charges and is scheduled to stand trial next year. (Compiled by Hung Pei-Ying) 1150613

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan
Organizations: FIFA / Arsenal / Villarreal

Ghana Midfielder Partey Denied Canadian Visa Over Sexual Assault Allegations, Misses World Cup Opener

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