Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada over rape charges, to miss World Cup opener

Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey, who is currently facing rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has been refused entry to Canada and will be unable to take part in his team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.

"FIFA ​can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable 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," said world football's governing body in a statement to media outlets including ​Reuters and The New York Times.

"FIFA ⁠is not involved in the immigration ⁠processes ​of host countries, including the adjudication of visas," the statement added.

Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and the United States.

What is Thomas Partey accused of?

Midfielder Partey, 32, was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police. The charges date back to his time with current Premier League champions Arsenal.

He pleaded not guilty in September 2025 but was charged with two fresh counts of rape in February 2026, to which he also pleaded not guilty in April.

Partey, who now plays his club football for Spanish side Villarreal, appears to have had no issues entering the United States after arriving in Washington, DC, on June 4 with the rest of the Ghana squad.

But he will now be unavailable for the Black Stars' opening fixture against Panama at Toronto's BMO Field stadium.

"The safety and security of Canadians is our priority as we welcome FIFA World Cup participants and visitors from around the world," read a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) given to The New York Times earlier this month in anticipation of this eventuality regarding Partey.

"IRCC applies its rules consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament. IRCC officers are trained decision makers who assess an individual's eligibility and admissibility in accordance with Canadian immigration laws," the statement said. "If they believe that an individual could pose a security risk, they may decide to deny them entry."

Ghana's other two games in Group L are both in the United States — against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

Partey, who has scored 16 goals in 58 appearances for his country, should be available for those games.

Edited by: Sean Sinico