Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s bid to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a new turn, with an appeal against Canada’s decision to deny him entry set to be heard at an Ottawa court.
The hearing is expected to determine whether the former Arsenal player can challenge the immigration ruling and potentially join the Black Stars’ campaign.
Reports earlier revealed that Partey, 33, could miss Ghana’s opening match against Panama after Canadian authorities refused him entry into the country. The Ghanaian government described the decision as “extremely unfair”, arguing that it was linked to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom where no conviction has been recorded.
Partey was charged in the UK in 2025 over allegations of rape and sexual assault and has pleaded not guilty. Ghana’s government says it is pursuing legal and diplomatic channels, raising concerns about fairness and proportionality in the decision made by Canadian authorities.
The Villarreal midfielder was named in Ghana’s World Cup squad and travelled with the team to the United States earlier this month. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama, England and Croatia in the group stage as they begin their World Cup campaign.
