Canada denies visa to Ghana's Thomas Partey over UK rape charges, ruling him out of World Cup opener against Panama
The midfielder, accused of multiple rapes in the United Kingdom, will miss Ghana's first 2026 World Cup match in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
Visa blocked
Ghanaian international Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada, forcing him to sit out the Black Stars' World Cup opener against Panama on Wednesday 17 June. The decision, confirmed by FIFA on 12 June, stems from ongoing rape and sexual assault charges the 32‑year‑old faces in the United Kingdom. Partey had been based with the Ghana squad in Boston, USA, but will not be allowed to travel to Toronto for the fixture at BMO Field.
FIFA can confirm that the player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's 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.
The charges
Partey, now a midfielder for Spanish club Villarreal, was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police. He pleaded not guilty in September 2025. Two additional rape charges were brought in February 2026, to which he also pleaded not guilty in April. The alleged offences involve four women and date to 2021‑2022, during his time with Arsenal. A trial is not expected before mid‑2027.
- Charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault
- Pleads not guilty to initial charges
- Two further rape charges added
- Pleads not guilty to additional charges; court process begins
- Next hearing scheduled
- Trial expected, verdict not before mid‑2027
Canada's stance
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a statement saying it applies its rules consistently, regardless of nationality or role in the tournament. "The safety and security of Canadians is our priority as we welcome FIFA World Cup participants and visitors from around the world," the statement read. Canada is co‑hosting the 2026 tournament with Mexico and the United States.
Tournament impact
Ghana's remaining group‑stage fixtures are on US soil — against England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia — and Partey is expected to be eligible for both matches. The Ghana squad arrived in Washington, DC, on 4 June and encountered no immigration issues there. FIFA emphasised it does not involve itself in host nations' visa adjudication.
