TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - 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, DW reported.
"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.
Read: Wataru Endo Withdraws from Japan's 2026 World Cup Squad
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
2026 World Cup: United States Dominate Paraguay 4-1
2 jam lalu
The United States is in a good position in the current Group D standings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after its victory against Paraguay.
2026 World Cup: Canada Held to 1-1 Draw by Bosnia-Herzegovina
5 jam lalu
Canada was held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 2026 World Cup Group B match in Toronto.
2026 World Cup Group A Standings: Mexico Leads as South Korea Trails
1 hari lalu
Mexico sits atop the Group A standings for the 2026 World Cup, followed by South Korea.
Wataru Endo Withdraws from Japan's 2026 World Cup Squad
1 hari lalu
Wataru Endo, a 33-year-old midfielder from Liverpool, will soon announce his retirement from the Japan National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup Starts in Mexico City
1 hari lalu
Mexico won against South Africa after the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City which featured Shakira and Burna Boy.
2026 World Cup Guide: Schedule, Cities, and How to Watch
1 hari lalu
The wait is finally over! The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here. Check out the complete guide to football's grandest stage here.
Shakira Energizes 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony With 'Dai Dai'
1 hari lalu
Shakira and Burna Boy energized the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at Azteca Stadium, kicking off the tournament in Mexico City.
2026 World Cup: Mexico Beats South Africa 2-0 to Top Group A
1 hari lalu
Mexico began its 2026 World Cup journey with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Group A at Estadio Azteca.
World Cup 2026 May Produce First-Time Champion, Says Analyst
1 hari lalu
Fary Djemy Francis has predicted a surprise new champion at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Top 10 Highest Paid Managers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
1 hari lalu
The highest paid managers in World Cup 2026 are preparing to guide their teams on the sport's biggest stage
