Thomas Partey Barred from Ghana’s World Cup Opener as Canada Rejects Entry Appeal
Ghana’s midfielder Thomas Partey will not be able to play in his country’s opening World Cup match against Panama on Wednesday. Canadian authorities refused his entry after denying his appeal for emergency relief.
The former Arsenal and current Villarreal player was initially barred from entering Canada due to ongoing legal issues in the U.K. His appeal, heard by Justice Roger Lafrenière on Tuesday, was dismissed, leaving Ghana without one of its key players against Panama in Toronto.
Partey remains with the Ghana team in the United States as they prepare for their second group game against England on June 23 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Legal Troubles Block Partey’s Travel
Partey faces multiple serious charges in London, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault filed in 2025, to which he pleaded not guilty. In early 2026, two additional rape charges were brought against him, again pleading not guilty in April.
According to The Athletic, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department rejected his application because he misrepresented his criminal record when applying to enter the country for the World Cup. He falsely stated that he had no pending criminal charges anywhere. Along with the refusal of a temporary resident permit, this led to the denial of his federal court appeal.
Justice Lafrenière said Partey did not meet the requirements for emergency relief.
Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz addressed the media in Toronto, stating, “My business, it is to play with the cards that I have in front of me.”
Canada’s Immigration Policy Stands Firm
Throughout the tournament preparations, Canada has maintained that immigration decisions are handled individually and hosting the World Cup does not change their laws. Their system differs from those in the U.S. and Mexico.
A statement from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department said, “Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies, while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians as a top priority.”
Ghana’s Prospects Without Partey
The absence of Partey does not lessen the importance of Ghana’s match against Panama. Facing tough opponents like England and Croatia later, Ghana likely needs a victory in this first match to keep hopes alive for advancing beyond the group stage.
Ghana is struggling, having lost six of their last seven games. The team will rely heavily on Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus, and veteran forward Jordan Ayew to fill the void left by Partey.
Playing their only World Cup match north of the U.S.-Canada border, the Black Stars arrived in Toronto to a warm reception from hundreds of fans outside their hotel. They expect strong support at BMO Field.
