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World Cup: Ghana's Partey denied entry to Canada

DW English · Jun 12, 2026, 7:00 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Thomas Partey, who has pleaded not guilty to several rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has been refused a Canadian visa.
  • "FIFA ⁠is not involved in the immigration ⁠processes ​of host countries, including the adjudication of visas," the statement added.
  • Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and the United States.

Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.

Thomas Partey, who has pleaded not guilty to several rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has been refused a Canadian visa. He will therefore miss his team's World Cup game against Panama in Toronto.

https://p.dw.com/p/5FJCu Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, facing rape charges in the UK, will miss his team's World Cup game against Panama in Toronto Image: Harry Langer/De Fodi Images/picture alliance Advertisement Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey, who is currently facing rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has been refused entry to Canada and will be unable to take part in his team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.

"FIFA ​can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable travel from Ghana's ​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," said world football's governing body in a statement to media outlets including ​Reuters and The New York Times.

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