World Cup 2026: Ghana fans accuse Canada of judging Thomas Partey before verdict

Canada's decision to deny Thomas Partey a visa ahead of Ghana's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked strong reactions among Ghanaian football fans, with many arguing that the midfielder is being judged before his criminal trial has concluded.

Partey will miss the Black Stars' Group L opener against Panama after the Canadian government refused his visa application, a decision confirmed by FIFA on Friday.

The Ghana midfielder is currently standing trial in the United Kingdom after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has denied all the allegations through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts.

Following FIFA's announcement, many Ghanaian supporters have questioned the decision, arguing that Partey remains innocent unless proven guilty.

Several fans also referenced the case of former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, who was suspended by his club and sidelined from football while facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges.

Mendy was eventually found not guilty on several counts before the remaining charges were dropped following a retrial in 2023. He has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal process.

Supporters argued that Mendy's case serves as a reminder that criminal proceedings do not always end in convictions and that individuals should not be treated as guilty before a court reaches a verdict.

Others, however, pointed out that Canada's immigration laws give authorities broad discretion over who is permitted to enter the country. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, immigration officials can refuse entry to foreign nationals in certain circumstances, including where criminal proceedings are ongoing abroad.

Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has disclosed the specific reason for Partey's visa refusal.

Despite missing the Panama match in Toronto, Partey remains eligible for Ghana's remaining Group L fixtures against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, as both matches will be played in the United States.

The visa decision has nevertheless become one of the biggest talking points ahead of Ghana's World Cup opener, with debate continuing over the balance between immigration policy and the legal principle that an accused person remains innocent until proven guilty in court.