Revealed On 13 Jun 2026
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is not going to play in his group’s World Cup opener after Canada denied his visa utility whereas he awaits trial on a number of prices of rape in the UK.
FIFA mentioned on Friday in a press release that the 32-year-old Partey received’t be capable of journey from his group’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Ghana’s opening match with Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
“His visa utility has been refused by the Canadian authorities,” the governing physique of world soccer mentioned.
“FIFA shouldn’t be concerned within the immigration processes of host international locations, together with the adjudication of visas. As with earlier FIFA occasions, the host authorities in the end determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the nation.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mentioned in a press release that each particular person wanting to come back to Canada is assessed individually “based mostly on the details accessible and the legislation that applies”.
“Canada is proud to be a bunch nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a profitable occasion whereas sustaining the security and safety of Canadians,” the IRCC mentioned within the assertion.
“Canada has been constant that internet hosting main occasions doesn’t change Canada’s immigration legal guidelines.”
Partey was travelling again to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island after his visa denial. He’ll be capable of play on June 23 when Ghana play England in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ghana conclude group play on June 27 towards Croatia in Philadelphia.
Partey is scheduled to face trial in November or in a while allegations relationship to his time with English membership Arsenal from 2020-25. Partey, who now performs in Spain for Villarreal, has pleaded not responsible.
A second World Cup participant, Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, is awaiting trial on comparable prices in Paris.
Ghana are making their fifth look within the final six World Cups.
