Official! Thomas Partey Banned From Entering Canada For Ghana’s 2026 World Cup Opener
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Partey To Miss Black Stars’ Clash Against Panama Tonight
Ghana have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their 2026 World Cup opening match against Panama tonight, with midfielder Thomas Partey ruled out of the squad after being refused entry into Canada. Get all the key info for tonight’s clash in our Ghana vs Panama prediction.
Canadian authorities rejected Partey’s application for a temporary resident Visa for the global tournament, citing declarations in the application that he had not committed, been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offence.
An appeal challenging the decision was rejected earlier today, confirming that the 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder will be forced to watch Ghana’s Group L encounter with Panama at BMO Field in Toronto from the team’s hotel. Following confirmation of Partey’s ban, football’s governing body released the following statement:
Why Has Partey Been Denied Entry To Canada?
The 33-year-old is awaiting trial in 2027 after being charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four complainants. Prosecutors allege the offences occurred between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges brought against him.
Arsenal came under scrutiny for continuing with the Ghana international in their squad until his departure to Villarreal following the expiration of his contract last summer. In contrast, the Ghana Football Association has maintained its full support for the player.
Carlos Queiroz, who took charge of the Black Stars after Otto Addo was axed as head coach back in March, offered a similarly supportive response when asked about concerns regarding Partey’s inclusion in the World Cup squad. He said:
“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear. This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.”
By keeping Partey in his World Cup squad, Queiroz has left himself with only 25 players available for Ghana's opening game. The situation is expected to be temporary, with the Black Stars likely to return to a full-strength squad for their remaining group matches against England and Croatia.
As discussed in our World Cup predictions, after Partey was substituted in the second half of Ghana’s only warm-up match, Queiroz brought on Kwasi Sibo to replace him. Sibo is the natural replacement for Partey in holding midfield and is expected to get the nod to start tonight, though Caleb Yirenkyi is also an option.
