Due to being denied entry by host Canada, Ghana national team midfielder Thomas Partey cannot participate in the opening match against Panama at the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA confirmed on June 12 that Partey cannot play the Ghana – Panama match in Toronto, Canada, which takes place in five days. Canada refused entry to the midfielder on the grounds that he is involved in an unresolved lawsuit relating to multiple sexual assault charges.
Partey will remain at Ghana’s training camp in Boston, USA. They will play their two remaining Group L matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in this country. Unlike Canada, the US does not ban Partey from entering.
In July 2025, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, involving three women between 2021 and 2022. By February 2026, the midfielder was charged with two additional counts of rape from a new accuser. At Southwark Crown Court (England), Partey pleaded not guilty. The trial verdict could fall in January 2027.
Partey played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2025, making 167 appearances, scoring 9 goals, and finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. In August 2025, after his contract with the “Gunners” expired, the 32-year-old star joined Villarreal on a free transfer. Villarreal affirmed they were aware of the new signing’s legal issues but believed in the principle of the presumption of innocence.
At the peak of his form, Partey was one of the top defensive midfielders in the world. With Atletico, the 32-year-old star won La Liga, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup, and reached the 2016 Champions League final. Last season, Partey helped Villarreal finish third in La Liga.
Partey has played for the Ghana national team since 2016 and participated in the 2022 World Cup. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he and his teammates topped Group I of the African zone with 25 points, six points ahead of second-placed Madagascar. Partey played in the midfield but was Ghana’s second-highest goalscorer in their qualification campaign with three goals. Forward Jordan Ayew led with seven goals.
If they finish second in Group L at the 2026 World Cup, Ghana will have to return to Toronto to face the second-placed team from Group K in the Round of 32. And with him being denied entry, Partey will continue to be absent.
