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

Canada’s Immigration Minister Lena Diab has defended the decision to deny Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey a visa, a ruling that rules him out of the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama.

Partey, 32, a former Arsenal player, is currently awaiting trial in London after pleading not guilty to multiple counts of rape.

His visa application was rejected ahead of Ghana’s Group A match scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto.

In a statement issued through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Diab stressed that the country’s immigration system remains unchanged despite its role as a co-host of the tournament.

"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."

The decision means Partey will miss Ghana’s opening fixture against Panama but remains available for the rest of the group stage, which will be played in the United States.

The Black Stars face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.