2026 World Cup: US authorities explains why Thomas Partey was granted visa amid rape allegation charges

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has explained why Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was allowed entry into the country despite facing ongoing rape and sexual assault charges, following his recent visa rejection by Canada.

The clarification comes after Canadian authorities denied the 32-year-old permission to enter for Ghana’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match, citing immigration rules that permit exclusion of individuals charged or convicted of serious offences.

Partey, however, has not been convicted and is yet to stand trial.

FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal midfielder, now with Spanish club Villarreal, will miss Ghana’s opening Group L fixture after Canada refused his visa application.

The world governing body also stressed that it does not interfere in the immigration decisions of host nations.

In response to Canada’s position, US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Partey was admitted into the United States on June 3 after being issued 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 has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations involving four women between 2020 and 2022. He is expected to stand trial next year.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign continues in the United States after the Panama fixture, with matches against England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27. Partey remains eligible for selection in those games.