World Cup 2026: Ghana challenges Thomas Partey visa denial in court

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Ghana’s government has taken legal action against Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey visa, escalating a controversy that threatens to sideline one of the Black Stars’ most experienced players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to BBC Sport, Ghana has filed for a judicial review of the decision, with a court hearing scheduled in Ottawa as officials seek permission for Partey to enter Canada ahead of the country’s opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto.

The latest development comes just days after FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal midfielder would be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in the United States after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.

The decision sparked widespread reaction in Ghana, with government officials describing the move as “high-handed and extremely unfair”.

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

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also revealed that diplomatic efforts are ongoing alongside the court challenge in a bid to resolve the issue before Ghana’s campaign gathers momentum.

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

The 33-year-old has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He is due 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 talked-about 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 making his international debut in 2016 and featured for 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 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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