Canada Refuses Thomas Partey Entry Before Ghana’s Match Against Panama in Toronto

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published June 17, 2026

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Canada’s Federal Court in Ottawa has rejected an emergency request by Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey to enter the country before Ghana’s World Cup 2026 match against Panama, after Canadian authorities had refused his entry application.

The decision means Partey will miss Ghana’s match against Panama, scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET at Toronto Stadium in Group L of the tournament.

The case is linked to criminal allegations Partey is facing in the United Kingdom involving rape and sexual assault. Partey denies the allegations, and no conviction has been issued, making it important to describe the matter as allegations rather than guilt.

International reports said the judge declined to grant extraordinary emergency relief that would have temporarily allowed Partey to enter Canada. FIFA has also confirmed that immigration decisions remain under the authority of the host country’s government and are not controlled by the tournament or world football’s governing body.

From a football perspective, Partey’s absence is a setback for Ghana ahead of its opening match. However, head coach Carlos Queiroz said the team is ready to play with the available squad and remains focused on the Panama match rather than the legal process surrounding Partey’s entry to Canada.

The decision adds a sensitive legal dimension to Toronto’s World Cup fixture, highlighting the intersection between a global sporting event and national immigration rules in host countries.