Thomas Partey will not participate in Ghana’s opening World Cup match in Toronto on Wednesday due to a visa denial from Canadian authorities. The midfielder, who previously played for Arsenal and currently represents Villarreal, was not granted entry into the country.
In July 2025, Partey faced serious legal issues, as he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan police, charges to which he pleaded not guilty. Subsequently, in February, he received two additional counts of rape, again pleading not guilty.
Despite these challenges, the 32-year-old was permitted entry into the United States with the Ghana squad on June 4 and has been participating in a training camp in Boston leading up to the tournament. Ghana is set to compete against Panama in their first match, and they are grouped with England. However, FIFA confirmed on Friday that Partey’s visa application was rejected by the Canadian government.
“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,” the organization stated.
Partey, who previously resided in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, transferred to Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for approximately £45 million before leaving the club in June last year. Ghana is scheduled to face England, who are matching up against Croatia in their own opening game on Wednesday, in their second World Cup match in Boston on June 23.
Canada’s Immigration Response
Canada’s immigration department has commented on the visa process, stating that it cannot discuss specific cases without consent. Officials emphasized that they apply rules “consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament”
The department further clarified that its officers are trained decision-makers who evaluate each individual’s eligibility and admissibility under Canadian immigration laws.
