2026 World Cup: US explains why Thomas Partey was granted visa amid UK charges

Male soccer player in a yellow jersey with a black star and the number 5, standing on a field with a blue background.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 13, 2026

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has explained why Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was permitted to enter the country despite facing serious criminal charges in the United Kingdom.

The clarification comes after Canadian authorities denied the 32-year-old a visa ahead of Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preventing him from travelling to Canada for the fixture.

Canada’s immigration laws allow officials to refuse entry to foreign nationals accused or convicted of certain criminal offences. Partey, however, has not been convicted and has yet to stand trial. He has consistently denied all allegations against him.

FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Spanish club Villarreal, would miss Ghana’s opening Group L match after his visa application was rejected by Canadian authorities. Football’s governing body emphasised that immigration decisions remain solely the responsibility of host countries.

In a statement addressing the situation, US authorities said Partey was legally admitted into the country on 3 June after being granted a valid visa.

“The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey; however, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa,” CBP said.

The agency added that questions regarding Canada’s decision should be directed to Canadian authorities.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. A trial is expected to take place next year.

Despite the controversy surrounding his legal situation, the midfielder remains eligible to represent Ghana in the remainder of the group’s matches scheduled to be played in the United States.

The Black Stars are set to face England in Boston on 23 June before taking on Croatia in Philadelphia on 27 June, with Partey available for selection for both fixtures.