Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup match

16 sources3 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 6:27 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup match
Summary

Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada and will miss Ghana's opening match against Panama on June 17. FIFA confirmed the denial, stating that it was due to the rejection of Partey's visa application by the Canadian government. The reason for the visa refusal remains unclear, but it coincides with allegations against him in England. FIFA emphasized that immigration decisions are solely at the discretion of the host country. The Ghana team is currently based in Boston, USA, and will have to proceed without Partey for their match.

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By the Numbers
  • Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's match against Panama on June 17.
  • FIFA confirmed the visa denial was issued by the Canadian government.
  • Allegations against Partey linked to a criminal case in England.
  • Ghana's team is based in Boston, USA, ahead of the match.
  • Canada's immigration policies are influencing player availability.
Latest Updates
  • 6:57 PMESPNPartey denied entry to Canada, will miss WC game
  • 6:10 PMYahoo SportsGhana player denied entry to Canada over rape charges, to remain in RI
  • 6:10 PMYahoo SportsGhana World Cup player Partey, facing rape trial in UK, denied Canada visa: FIFA
  • 6:10 PMYahoo SportsThomas Partey denied entry into Canada for Ghana’s World Cup opener
  • 5:56 PMYahoo SportsGhana's Partey denied entry into Canada for World Cup clash
  • 5:42 PMYahoo SportsCanada refuses entry to Thomas Partey for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener
  • 5:35 PMYahoo SportsPartey denied entry to Canada for Ghana's World Cup opener
  • 5:32 PMThe Guardian SportThomas Partey out of Ghana’s World Cup opener after visa application to Canada refused
What they're saying
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Player had been due to play against Panama in Toronto Fifa says decision made by Canadian government The Ghana defender Thomas Partey will miss their opening World Cup game against Panama after being refused a visa to Canada, where the game is being staged in Toronto. In a statement, Fifa said: “Fifa can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team 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. More details soon … Continue reading...

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Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada for their World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. "FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," FIFA said in a statement on Friday released to the UK's Press Association.

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Ghana player Thomas Partey, who is facing trial in Britain on rape charges, has been denied a visa to enter Canada to play in the World Cup, FIFA said on Friday."FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team 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," world football's governing body said.

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