Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, much of the talk was about how unwelcoming the United States has been to travelers from the rest of the world.
The U.S. denied entry to a referee from Somalia, and the Iranian World Cup delegation, including players, has dealt with issues getting clearances.
However, it is Canada that was the first host country to deny a visa to a player, and a notable one at that. However, the country may well have good reason for its decision.
Canada Denies Thomas Partey A Visa For World Cup Amid Sexual Assault Case
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who became a star with club teams Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, will not be available for Ghana’s first match of the tournament against Panama after he was denied entry into the country.
Partey is facing charges on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London’s Metropolitan Police and is currently awaiting trial. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and played for Spanish club Villareal this past season while the case plays out.
The trial was originally set to begin in November; however, it has since been pushed back to June 8, 2027.
“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,” a statement issued to The Athletic read. “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.”
Canadian Officials Vaguely Explain Thomas Partey Decision
Meanwhile, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that “Without any signed consent form, it is not possible for IRCC to provide details regarding any individual situation.
“We can, however, state that the safety and security of Canadians is our priority as we welcome FIFA World Cup participants and visitors from around the world. That is why IRCC applies its rules consistently and without exception, regardless of nationality, profile, or role in the tournament.
“IRCC officers are trained decision makers who assess an individual’s eligibility and admissibility in accordance with Canadian immigration laws. If they believe that an individual could pose a security risk, they may decide to deny them entry.”
Ghana’s final two group matches will take place in Boston and Philadelphia. Partey’s visa has already been granted for the United States, and he arrived wth the Ghanaian squad in Boston, where it has set up camp for the tournament.