Ghana’s Deputy Captain Thomas Teye Partey is fighting to secure entry into Canada ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
According to reliable sources, the Ghanaian midfielder, whose Legal team will represent him, is scheduled to appear before a Federal Court in Canada on Tuesday, June 16, with a hearing set for 9:00 a.m. ET (2:00 p.m. GMT).
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams also confirmed that Thomas Partey will appear before a Canadian court on Tuesday, June 16, to challenge the decision denying him entry into the country.
Adams remains optimistic that the ruling will be overturned, allowing the Black Stars deputy captain to join his teammates ahead of Ghana’s World Cup opener.
Partey is expected to attend the hearing with the support of the Government of Ghana through its embassy in Canada as he seeks a reversal of the ruling that has prevented him from joining the Black Stars camp in Toronto.
The former Arsenal midfielder was left disappointed after Canadian authorities reportedly applied provisions within the country’s immigration laws to deny him entry because of his ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of assault in the UK. The allegations involve four women and relate to incidents alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and strongly denies the allegations.
A trial is scheduled to take place later in 2026.
It is important to note that these are criminal charges and not convictions. Under UK law, Partey remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
As a result of the visa denial, Partey was not part of the Ghana contingent that arrived in Toronto on Monday to finalise preparations for Wednesday’s Group L opener against Panama at BMO Field.
Should the court rule in his favour, the 32-year-old could join the Black Stars later on Tuesday and become available for selection against Panama.
Even if the injunction application is unsuccessful, Partey is still expected to be available for Ghana’s subsequent group-stage matches against England and Croatia.
