Ghana challenge Canada’s Thomas Partey visa decision ahead of World Cup opener

• Ghana’s government will seek a review of Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey entry for the World Cup
• Sports Minister Kofi Adams described the ruling as “absolutely wrong” with the midfielder yet to be convicted of any offence
• Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match against Panama but could still feature in games held in the United States

Ghana have vowed to challenge Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey entry into the country, escalating a dispute that threatens to overshadow the Black Stars’ start to the 2026 World Cup.

The Villarreal midfielder will miss Ghana’s opening Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application. Partey, who remains at Ghana’s base camp in Boston, is awaiting trial after being charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Speaking on Friday, Ghana Sports Minister Kofi Adams confirmed the government had already contacted the relevant authorities and would continue pressing for a review of the decision.

“If any Ghanaian is touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it,” Adams told Channel One TV. “We think it’s appropriate to get the appropriate authorities to review this decision.”

The case has sparked frustration within Ghana’s camp, with Adams arguing that Partey is being punished despite not being found guilty of any offence. The minister questioned why Canada had taken a different position to the United Kingdom, where the midfielder remains free while legal proceedings continue.

“Thomas was one of the players who was asked to go to the embassy for his biometrics, and then yesterday morning we got the decision that he has been denied entry to Canada on very flimsy grounds,” Adams said.

“I say flimsy because the person has already been charged, he has not been found guilty.”

Canadian officials have defended the decision. A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada told ESPN that all applicants are assessed individually under Canadian law, while FIFA reiterated that host nations retain authority over visa decisions and entry requirements.

Adams, however, insisted the ruling sends the wrong message.

“Even in the country where they claim he committed the act, for which reason he is in court, which he has denied, he is still living there as a free citizen,” he said. “This is absolutely wrong. I don’t understand why today Canada is interpreting their rules to suggest that a charge means guilty.”

The situation leaves Ghana without one of its most experienced players for a crucial opening match. After facing Panama, the Black Stars return to the United States to play England in Boston before concluding their group-stage campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia.

The issue could become even more significant if Ghana progress beyond the group stage. A second-place finish in Group L would likely send them back to Toronto for a round-of-32 tie on July 2, raising further questions over Partey’s availability should Canada’s stance remain unchanged.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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