Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
FIFA Live: Star's visa denied and he will miss World Cup opener
SEN • June 13th, 2026 7:41 am
- Canada 0-1 Bosnia
World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finally gets under way. (All times AEST)
Visa issues continue to overshadow this World Cup with news former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opener after being denied entry to Canada.
According to reports out of the UK, the 33 year-old was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police last July. two additional charges of rape were added in February.
He pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges.
While guaranteed to miss the opening match against Panama on June 18, reports suggest he will be clear for the England clash a week later.
Confirming the situation, FIFA said: “Fifa can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17.
“His visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.
“Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.
“As with previous Fifa events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Ghana are expected to fight the denied visa.
__SEN's FIFA World Cup™ live blog coverage brought to you by Tyrepower
__
__
