2026 World Cup: Sports Ministry urges FIFA intervention after Thomas Partey denied entry into Canada ahead of opener

Ghana's Ministry of Sports and Recreation has called on FIFA to intervene following the denial of entry into Canada for midfielder Thomas Partey, insisting that the world governing body must do more to protect the rights of participating nations at major tournaments.

The development means Partey will miss Ghana's opening Group L fixture against Panama at Toronto's BMO Field on June 17, dealing a significant blow to the Black Stars' preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement, the Ministry expressed concern over the situation, stressing that all qualified nations should be guaranteed access to their accredited players and officials throughout FIFA competitions.

"We therefore call on FIFA to take a more active interest in this matter and to engage host nations on safeguards that protect the rights of accredited players, officials and Member Associations."

The Ministry further argued that FIFA's responsibility to ensure fairness should extend beyond activities on the pitch.

"FIFA's commitment to fairness must extend beyond the field of play to ensure that all qualified teams have access to their eligible players. As football's global governing body, FIFA must continue to champion principles that uphold competitive integrity, equal participation and fair representation throughout its competitions."

It added that the credibility of the tournament depends on the consistent application of participation rules and regulations.

"The integrity of the tournament depends not only on what happens on the pitch, but also on ensuring that the rules and principles governing participation are applied consistently and fairly."

Partey, 33, was named in Ghana's World Cup squad and travelled with the team to the United States on June 4. He arrived in Washington, D.C., alongside his teammates before the Black Stars relocated to their training base in Rhode Island.

However, he has been unable to cross into Canada and will consequently be unavailable for the crucial clash against Panama.

Despite the setback, Partey remains eligible to feature in Ghana's remaining group-stage matches, both of which will be played in the United States. The Black Stars face England at Gillette Stadium in Boston on June 23 before taking on Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.

The midfielder's travel restrictions come amid ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. In July 2025, he was charged by London's Metropolitan Police with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in September 2025.

Additional charges, including two further counts of rape, were brought against him in February 2026, to which he also entered not guilty pleas in April.

The allegations involve four women and relate to incidents alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. Investigations were launched following reports made to police in February 2022 and August 2025.

The case is scheduled to be heard at Southwark Crown Court in London, although reports suggest the trial could be postponed until early 2027. Under the terms of his bail, Partey is required to notify authorities of any intended international travel.

Ghana will now begin their World Cup campaign without one of their most experienced players as attention turns to their opening encounter against Panama.