Thomas Partey denied entry in Canada for World Cup 2026, The Reason is a Shocking One!

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has reportedly been denied entry into Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 32-year-old Villarreal player remains with the Ghana squad in the United States as preparations continue for the team’s opening Group L match against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto.

Partey is under charge of seven counts of rape, and it is being considered as the reason behind Canada's denial to allow Partey into their country.

No official confirmation of a visa refusal has been issued by Canadian authorities, FIFA, or the Ghana Football Association so far.

The reports appear to stem from unverified social media discussions and media speculation. The Canadian government website outlines that, "if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada".

Interestingly, Partey is yet to be convicted as the former Atletico Madrid midfielder pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

Why is Thomas Partey denied entry in Canada?

Thomas Partey faces seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault in the United Kingdom, relating to alleged incidents between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to stand trial at a later date. FIFA also confirmed that the midfielder will miss the match against Panama.

"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. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country," a statement from FIFA said.

Partey has participated in training sessions with the team in the United States, but is now set to miss out on Ghana's opening match in Toronto as they play Panama.

Ghana is drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The opening fixture against Panama will take place in Canada, followed by matches in the United States. Should Partey be unavailable for the Toronto match, the team would rely on other midfield options including Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, and Augustine Boakye.