A Canadian federal judge has denied Ghana’s request to allow midfielder Thomas Partey into Canada for the nation’s opening match of the World Cup. Partey, who has been barred from entering the country after his visa application was refused last week, will remain in the United States while Ghana faces Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.

Partey is currently facing rape allegations brought by several women in London, related to incidents allegedly occurring during his tenure with English club Arsenal between 2020 and 2025. The midfielder has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As a result of the ruling, Partey will not participate in the World Cup match in Canada but is expected to be available for Ghana’s subsequent two games, both scheduled to take place in the United States. The decision to deny his entry underscores ongoing legal and immigration challenges tied to the pending trial.