World Cup 2026: US explains why Thomas Partey was granted entry amid ongoing legal case

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has clarified why Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was allowed entry into the country despite facing serious criminal charges in the United Kingdom.

The clarification follows Canada’s decision to deny the 32-year-old a visa ahead of Ghana’s opening 2026 World Cup fixture, citing immigration rules that allow authorities to refuse entry to individuals accused or convicted of certain offences.

While Partey has been charged, he has not yet stood trial and denies all allegations.

FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal player, now with Spanish side Villarreal, will miss Ghana’s opening match after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application. The governing body stressed that it has no role in the immigration decisions of host nations.

In response to the situation, US authorities explained that Partey was admitted into the country on June 3 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," the statement said.

"CBP's defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry," the agency added.

Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is expected to take place next year.

Despite the controversy, he remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining Group L matches in the United States against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has clarified why Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was allowed entry into the country despite facing serious criminal charges in the United Kingdom.

The clarification follows Canada’s decision to deny the 32-year-old a visa ahead of Ghana’s opening 2026 World Cup fixture, citing immigration rules that allow authorities to refuse entry to individuals accused or convicted of certain offences.

While Partey has been charged, he has not yet stood trial and denies all allegations.

FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal player, now with Spanish side Villarreal, will miss Ghana’s opening match after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application. The governing body stressed that it has no role in the immigration decisions of host nations.

In response to the situation, US authorities explained that Partey was admitted into the country on June 3 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," the statement said.

"CBP's defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry," the agency added.

Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022. His trial is expected to take place next year.

Despite the controversy, he remains eligible to feature in Ghana’s remaining Group L matches in the United States against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

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