12.6.2026
Black Stars of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied visa to enter Canada.
Partey will remain at Ghana’s base in the US as the Black Stars travel to Toronto to face Panama in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday January 18.
The Canadian immigration denied Partey a visa entry due to ongoing rape case in London.
Partey has recently faced multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, which he denies, and is currently awaiting trial scheduled for 2027.
His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has previously said he has fully cooperated with investigators and maintains his innocence.
“Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him,” she said, adding that he would not comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.
FIFA stressed that visa approvals are solely handled by host countries.
“The player will be unable to travel… as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government,” FIFA stated, adding that the issuing of visas is solely in the hands of the hosts.