Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama on Thursday in Toronto after Canada refused his visa application, FIFA confirmed.
- +World Cup: Ghana star Thomas Partey denied visa for Canada opener
The 32-year-old midfielder was unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Toronto with the rest of the squad after his application was denied by Canadian authorities.
The 32-year-old midfielder was unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Toronto with the rest of the squad after his application was denied by Canadian authorities.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” world football’s governing body said in a statement.
“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four different women concerning incidents alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. He is due to stand trial next year.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, is on bail during the proceedings and denies all charges.
Canadian government guidance states that individuals who have committed or been convicted of a crime may be denied entry to the country. Partey has not been convicted and remains awaiting trial.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz defended his decision to include Partey in the squad.
“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” Queiroz said.
“This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow, and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.”
Ghana begin their Group D campaign against Panama at Toronto Stadium, also known as BMO Field, without one of their most experienced players.
Partey previously played for Atletico Madrid before joining Arsenal in 2020 and moved to Villarreal earlier this year.
