Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey denied Canadian visa, will miss World Cup opener

Canada refused a visa to Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, citing the multiple rape and sexual‑assault charges he faces in the United Kingdom. FIFA confirmed that Partey will be unable to travel from the team’s base in Rhode Island to Toronto for Ghana’s opening match against Panama.

Ghana’s football federation protested the decision, urging Canada to respect the principle of presumption of innocence. While Partey is barred from entering Canada, U.S. authorities have allowed him to enter the United States, so he remains with the squad at their training camp in Boston and is expected to join later group‑stage games against England and Croatia. His trial in the UK is scheduled for November or later.

The visa denial removes a key player from Ghana’s first World Cup match, potentially affecting the team’s performance in the tournament’s opening stages.