Thomas Partey ruled out of Ghana World Cup opener after Canada visa appeal dismissed
By Luckybets Media Team
Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his appeal to overturn a Canadian entry ban was dismissed.
The midfielder, who plays for Villarreal and formerly represented Arsenal, was denied entry to Canada ahead of Ghana’s Group G opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
According to immigration documents and court filings, Partey’s application to enter the country was rejected on 10 June, with authorities ruling him inadmissible due to the criminal charges he currently faces in the United Kingdom.
The 33-year-old has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His legal team had attempted to challenge the decision in the Federal Court, arguing that he was not given sufficient due process and that the ruling would cause “irreversible prejudice”, including the loss of a major international tournament appearance.
However, the court upheld the immigration decision, stating that the existence of the charges was sufficient grounds under Canada’s immigration laws, regardless of conviction status.
In his application submitted in May, Partey also reportedly indicated that he had not been charged with any criminal offences, a claim that was later found to be false in official documents reviewed by the court.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz declined to comment directly on the matter when asked earlier in the week, stating only that he would “work with the players available” as the team prepared for their tournament opener.
Despite the setback, Partey is currently in the United States with the squad and remains eligible for Ghana’s remaining group matches against England and Croatia.
The decision marks a major blow for Ghana as they begin their World Cup campaign, with Partey widely expected to play a key role in midfield had he been available for selection in the opening fixture.
