FIFA confirmed on 12/6 that Thomas Partey will not play in the Ghana - Panama match in Toronto, Canada, which is scheduled to take place five days later. Canadian authorities denied the midfielder entry into the country, citing an unresolved lawsuit involving multiple sexual assault charges.

Partey will remain at Ghana's training camp in Boston, US. The team will play its two remaining Group L matches, against England on 23/6 and Croatia on 27/6, in the US. Unlike Canada, the US has not prohibited Partey's entry.

Partey (left) vies for the ball during a friendly match where Ghana lost 1-2 to Germany on 30/3/2026. Photo: AP

In 7/2025, Partey was accused of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, involving three women from 2021 to 2022. By 2/2026, the midfielder faced two additional rape charges from a new accuser. At Southwark Crown Court in England, Partey pleaded not guilty. Sentencing could occur in 1/2027.

Partey played for Arsenal from 2020 to 2025, making 167 appearances, scoring 9 goals, and finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. In 8/2025, after his contract with the "Gunners" expired, the 32-year-old star joined Villarreal on a free transfer. Villarreal confirmed its awareness of the new signing's legal issues but stated its belief in the principle of presumption of innocence.

At the peak of his career, Partey was one of the world's leading defensive midfielders. With Atletico, the 32-year-old star won La Liga, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup, and reached the 2016 Champions League final. Last season, Partey helped Villarreal finish third in La Liga.

Partey has represented the Ghana national team since 2016 and played in the 2022 World Cup. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he and his teammates topped Group I in the African region with 25 points, six points ahead of second-placed Madagascar. Partey played in midfield but was Ghana's second-highest scorer in their qualification campaign with three goals. Forward Jordan Ayew led with seven goals.

If Ghana finishes second in Group L at the 2026 World Cup, they would have to return to Toronto to face the second-placed team from Group K in the round of 16. Given his denied entry, Partey would continue to be absent.

According to FIFA, the host nation has the authority to decide entry. Previously, the US denied entry to approximately 500 Ivory Coast fans and Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan. An unnamed US official stated that the reason for Artan's denial was allegations "related to suspected members of terrorist organizations". Meanwhile, some sources attributed blame to the security screening processes and immigration restrictions of President Donald Trump's administration.

After an 11-hour immigration interview, Artan stated that US officials could not provide a clear explanation despite him possessing all necessary travel documents, suggesting his Somali nationality might have been a factor. Upon returning to Somalia, the referee was welcomed as a hero by the government and its people.

Thanh Quy (according to FIFA)