Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada just days before Ghana’s opening match of the FIFA World Cup.
The former Arsenal midfielder was unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston to Toronto with his teammates after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. Consequently, the 32-year-old Villarreal player will miss Ghana’s opening Group L encounter against Panama.
The development has generated widespread attention across the football world. Moreover, it comes as Partey continues to face ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom over allegations he strongly denies.
FIFA confirmed that the decision was made by Canadian authorities and not by football’s governing body.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country,” FIFA stated.
According to reports, Partey remains on bail while legal proceedings continue. He faces allegations from multiple women relating to incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. However, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies the allegations against him.
Meanwhile, United States authorities confirmed that Partey was allowed into the country earlier this month.
In a statement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said: “On June 3, 2026, CBP officers inspected and admitted Ghana national, Thomas Partey, into the United States.”
The agency further explained that admission decisions are reviewed individually.
“The U.S. is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey; however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.”
Furthermore, officials stressed that all travelers are assessed using available immigration, security, and law enforcement information.
However, the midfielder could still feature in Ghana’s second group game against England in Boston on June 23. In addition, he may also be available for the team’s final group fixture against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
The situation has placed additional attention on Ghana’s preparations. Nevertheless, team officials are expected to continue focusing on their World Cup campaign despite the unexpected setback.
Partey joined Villarreal in June 2025 after leaving Arsenal, where he spent several seasons following his move from Atletico Madrid in a deal reportedly worth around £45 million.
Meanwhile, his legal case is continuing in the UK. The next hearing is scheduled for October 2, 2026, while the trial is expected to begin in June 2027.
