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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Ghana's Partey Set to Face England After US Visa Granted, Canada Denied Entry
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has confirmed he is ready to play against England at the 2026 World Cup in Boston, despite being denied a Canadian visa due to rape and sexual assault charges in England, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The contrasting visa decisions between Canada and the United States have highlighted inconsistencies in how host nations treat players facing serious allegations.
Quick Facts
Who
Thomas Partey
What
Partey was denied a Canadian visa for the opening match against Panama
When
2026-06-23
Where
Boston, United States
- Partey was denied a Canadian visa for the opening match against Panama
- Partey was granted a US visa for the match against England
- Partey confirmed he is ready to play
- Partey is accused of seven rapes and one sexual assault
- Thomas Partey
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has confirmed he is ready to play against England in the 2026 World Cup in Boston on Wednesday, despite being denied a Canadian visa for the team's opening match against Panama last week. The 33-year-old former Arsenal player, who is facing rape and sexual assault charges in England, was granted entry to the United States after the Canadian refusal, allowing him to participate in the tournament.
Partey, who has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women, is awaiting trial in London. Canadian authorities stated that hosting major events does not alter their immigration laws and that visa applications are assessed individually. The refusal prevented him from playing in Ghana's first match against Panama, which was hosted in Canada.
Despite the legal challenges, Partey remains focused on football. "I feel normal and ready to play. It is part of football. Things outside of football that you cannot control," he told the BBC. The situation has sparked discussions about the differing treatment of players facing serious allegations across host nations, with the US granting him a visa while Canada did not.
The match against England in Boston is expected to draw significant attention. Partey could face boos from spectators, similar to Morocco's captain Achraf Hakimi, who also faces rape allegations and was booed during the tournament. Ghana seeks to rebound after their opening loss to Panama.
Why This Matters
This story illustrates how legal systems and host nations can differ in handling athletes facing serious charges, which may affect team lineups and tournament dynamics. For readers, it highlights the potential for visa policies to become a strategic factor in international competitions, and the need for clear, consistent standards for players under investigation.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireThe Independent reports on Partey's visa situation
Jun 23, 2026
WireFAPL.ru reports Partey ready to play against England