The Athletic: Partey could miss World Cup 2026 match due to Canada entry ban

Villarreal midfielder and Ghana national team player Thomas Partey may miss his team's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama due to a ban on entering Canada.

According to The Athletic, cited by Report, the issue is linked to an ongoing case involving five counts of alleged rape against the player. The footballer, who was detained in December 2025, reportedly denies all charges.

The opening World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa, played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, ended in a 2–0 victory for the Mexican national team.