Canada Denies Visa to Ghana Midfielder Facing Rape Charges, Blocking World Cup Match Appearance

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the team's opening 2026 World Cup match against Panama after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. The match is scheduled for 17 June in Toronto. Partey entered the United States with Ghana's squad on 4 June and has been training with the team in Boston.

FIFA stated that it plays no role in host-country immigration decisions. "FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas," the organization said. " Canadian immigration officers assess eligibility and admissibility according to Canadian immigration laws.

Canadian immigration asserted that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws. Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025 by the Metropolitan Police and pleaded not guilty. He was charged with two additional counts of rape in February 2026 and also pleaded not guilty.

Ghana will face England in its second match of the World Cup in Boston on 23 June. Partey currently plays for Villarreal.