World Cup 2026: Thomas Partey refused entry to Canada ahead of Ghana's opener with Panama in Toronto

Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada ahead of Ghana's World Cup opener with Panama on Thursday - but he is set to face England.

FIFA confirmed Partey was unable to travel from Ghana's US base in Boston to Toronto with the rest of his team-mates as his visa application "has been refused by the Canadian government".

• Thomas Partey trial over rape and sexual assault allegations delayed to June 2027

The former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays his club football for Villarreal, is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault by four different women, who accuse him over incidents between 2020 and 2022. His trial will start in June 2027. Partey denies the charges.

Partey is on bail during the legal proceedings, with a condition that he does not contact alleged victims.

As it stands, Partey, 32, is available to play against England in Ghana's second Group L fixture, which takes place in Boston on Tuesday June 23. Ghana's final group game is with Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

FIFA said: "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 spokesperson for the Canadian government's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department said: "Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians.

"Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws.

"Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.

"Under Canadian law, foreign nationals can be found inadmissible without a foreign conviction.

"When there are reasonable grounds to believe an act that would trigger inadmissibility has been committed by an applicant, they can be deemed inadmissible to Canada."

Sky Sports News has contacted the Ghanaian FA for comment.

In a statement to Sky Sports News, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office said: "On June 3, 2026, CBP officers inspected and admitted Ghana national, Thomas Partey, into the United States.

"The. U.S. is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey, however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa. All travelers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection.

"Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law. CBP's defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry."

The charges against Partey

Partey, who left Arsenal for Villarreal in June 2025, was charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one allegation of sexual assault, dating back to 2021 and 2022.

In February this year, it was announced that Partey had been charged with two additional rape allegations dating back to December 2020.

The footballer has appeared previously in the dock to plead not guilty to all charges - seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The midfielder, who previously lived in Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a transfer worth around £45m.

The next hearing in his case has been set for October 2, 2026, with the trial set to begin on June 8, 2027.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: World Cup 2026: Thomas Partey refused entry to Canada ahead of Ghana's opener with Panama in Toronto