Will Thomas Partey Play Against Panama? Black Stars Star Heads to Canadian Court Over Entry Ban
Thomas Partey is seeking to gain entry into Canada ahead of Ghana’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama national football team on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
According to reports, the Black Stars deputy captain is expected to appear before a Canadian Federal Court on Tuesday, June 16, in an effort to overturn a decision denying him entry into the country.
Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, confirmed that Partey would challenge the ruling and expressed optimism that the midfielder would be permitted to join the squad before the tournament opener.
The Government of Ghana, through its embassy in Canada, is expected to support Partey during the proceedings as he seeks to resolve the immigration issue.
Reports indicate that Canadian authorities applied aspects of the country’s immigration laws in light of the player’s ongoing criminal case in the United Kingdom.
Partey has been charged in the UK with seven counts of rape and one count of assault relating to allegations involving four women and incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has consistently denied the allegations.
It is important to note that these are criminal charges, not convictions. Under UK law, Thomas Partey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The legal proceedings meant the midfielder was absent when the Ghana squad arrived in Toronto to complete preparations for their Group L opener against Panama.
Should the Canadian court rule in his favour, Partey could join the Black Stars later on Tuesday and potentially be available for selection for Wednesday’s match. If the application is unsuccessful, he is still expected to be available for Ghana’s subsequent group-stage fixtures against England and Croatia
