Canada denies Partey visa, ruling him out of Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama

Thomas Partey will play no part in Ghana’s opening 2026 World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after the Canadian government refused his visa application, FIFA confirmed.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder, who is based at Ghana’s training camp in Boston, has been unable to travel north of the border as a result of the decision. FIFA stated it had no involvement in the process, noting that “the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

Partey faces serious criminal charges in England. He has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations made by four different women covering incidents alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. A trial is scheduled for next year.

In its official statement, FIFA acknowledged the situation while distancing itself from the immigration ruling: “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.”

Partey spent five seasons at Arsenal between 2020 and 2025 after joining from Villarreal, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s more influential defensive midfielders during that period. His absence leaves Ghana without one of their most experienced players for what is already a high-stakes group-stage fixture.