World Cup 2026: Canada defends visa rejection of Thomas Partey ahead of opener against Panama

Canada’s Immigration Minister Lena Diab has defended the decision to refuse a visa application from Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, a ruling that has ruled him out of the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup opener in Canada.

Partey, formerly of Arsenal, is currently awaiting trial in London after pleading not guilty to multiple counts of rape. He has not been convicted.

With Ghana scheduled to face Panama on Wednesday, June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, Canadian authorities confirmed the 32-year-old would not be granted entry for the fixture.

In a statement issued through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Diab said Canada remains committed to hosting the tournament while enforcing its immigration laws.

"Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians," Lena Diab said in a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

"Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.

"Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies."

Despite the setback, Partey is still expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining Group L fixtures, both of which will be staged in the United States—against England on June 23 in Boston and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.