2026 World Cup: Refused entry to Canada, Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's first match

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the opening match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto after Canada rejected his visa application due to rape and sexual assault charges in the UK. FIFA confirmed the decision on June 12, stating it does not intervene in immigration procedures. Partey, who pleads not guilty, faces seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault, with a trial postponed to 2027. A Somali referee was also denied entry to the US despite a valid visa.