Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada as FIFA release statement ahead of World Cup opener

Thomas Partey will not be able to play in Ghana's World Cup opener after his visa application for Canada was rejected.

The 2026 World Cup officially got underway as Mexico picked up a dramatic 2-0 win over South Africa in the opening fixture at the Estadio Azteca.

In the coming days, each of the record 48 teams competing in the World Cup will compete in their first fixtures across Mexico, Canada and the United States of America.

England begin their World Cup campaign with a match against Croatia on Wednesday at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.

Later in the day Ghana play Panama in Toronto in the same group as England, ahead of the African nation playing the Three Lions on June 23.

But Ghana will be without a key player in Partey as FIFA have released a statement confirming that the former Arsenal midfielder has been denied entry to Canada after his visa application was rejected.

"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team 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," a FIFA spokesperson stated.

"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."

A reason for the rejection has not been given, but Partey is currently awaiting trial in London after for multiple counts of rape.

The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022.

Regarding the charges, his defence lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated with the police throughout.”

The Canadian government website states that if a person has 'committed or been convicted of a crime' they 'may not be allowed into Canada.'

However, the ongoing legal case didn't stop Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz from selecting the midfielder as part of his 26-man World Cup squad, a decision he explained ahead of the tournament.

"If the player is here with me, my answer is clear," said Queiroz.

"I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about?

"This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.

"Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth."

Will Thomas Partey be banned for England v Ghana?

Ghana are set to face England in their second Group L match at the Boston Stadium, Foxborough, on 23 June with the match kicking off at 21:00 BST.

Four days later the African side take on Croatia on 27 June in Philadelphia (22:00 BST).

As it stands, it is expected that Partey will still feature in both matches.