Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a Canadian court dismissed his appeal against a decision barring him from entering the country.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal CF, was denied entry into Canada ahead of Ghana’s opening Group D fixture against Panama in Toronto.
According to reports by The Athletic, Canadian immigration authorities rejected Partey’s visa application after determining that he had failed to disclose pending criminal charges in the United Kingdom. The 33-year-old was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police and later faced two additional rape charges in February 2026. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Court documents reportedly showed that Partey’s visa application, submitted on May 21, indicated that he had never been charged with a criminal offence in any country. Canadian immigration officials subsequently raised concerns over possible misrepresentation and requested further information.
On June 10, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department ruled that Partey was inadmissible to the country because of the charges he currently faces. His legal team sought an urgent review of the decision, arguing that the refusal would prevent him from representing Ghana at the World Cup and cause significant professional and reputational harm.
However, a federal court dismissed the appeal on Tuesday, clearing the way for the immigration decision to stand.
In its ruling, the court stated that the fact that Partey has not been convicted of the offences was not relevant to the immigration assessment carried out by Canadian authorities.
Speaking before the appeal decision was announced, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz declined to comment extensively on the matter.
“My business is to play with the cards that are in front of me,” he said. “We are waiting for a decision. When the decision comes, we are ready.”
Canada’s immigration department defended its position, saying the country’s immigration laws apply equally to all visitors regardless of major international events.
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies, while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians as a top priority,” the department said in a statement.
Despite being unavailable for the Panama clash, Partey has been granted entry into the United States and remains eligible for Ghana’s remaining group-stage matches against England national football team and Croatia national football team. He is currently training with the squad in the United States.
His criminal case is scheduled to go to trial at Southwark Crown Court in June 2027.
