Ghana Issues Statement After Thomas Partey Is Denied Entry to Canada for 2026 World Cup

Ghana has issued a statement in response to Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Partey was recently refused a Canadian visa after being charged with sexual assault. The former Arsenal player is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

As a result, Partey will miss the Black Stars’ first group‑stage match in Toronto against Panama on Thursday.

In a statement, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high‑handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghanaian national and key member of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

“Accordingly, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter,” the ministry added.