Ghana Takes Court Action Over Thomas Partey's Visa Denial for the 2026 World Cup

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Ghana’s government has initiated legal proceedings against Canada’s decision to deny a visa to midfielder Thomas Partey, heightening a dispute that could prevent one of the Black Stars’ most seasoned players from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

BBC Sport reports that Ghana has applied for a judicial review of the denial, with a court hearing set for Ottawa. Officials are seeking permission for Partey to enter Canada ahead of the country’s opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto.

This development follows FIFA’s confirmation that the former Arsenal midfielder would be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in the United States because Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.

The decision has drawn strong criticism in Ghana, with government officials describing the move as “high‑handed and extremely unfair.”

Ghana is now requesting a temporary arrangement that would allow Partey to enter Canada specifically for the World Cup fixture, while also asking immigration authorities to permit him to submit a new visa application.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said that diplomatic efforts are underway alongside the court challenge, aiming to resolve the issue before Ghana’s campaign gains momentum.

Partey’s visa problems are linked to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

The 33‑year‑old has pleaded not guilty to seven rape charges and one sexual assault charge involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year.

Canadian authorities have maintained that hosting the World Cup does not alter the country’s immigration rules.

In a statement quoted by the BBC, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said: “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 case has become one of the most discussed off‑field controversies of the World Cup, adding to growing concerns over visa and immigration issues surrounding the tournament.

Partey, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, has earned more than 50 caps for the Black Stars since his international debut in 2016 and represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Before the tournament, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz defended the decision to include Partey in his squad, insisting that football considerations remained separate from the legal issues surrounding the midfielder.

The Black Stars face England in Boston on June 23 before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia four days later, but they could return to Canada in the knockout stages should they advance from the group.

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