Although Partey is allowed to train with his teammates at Ghana’s camp in Boston, United States, he had his visa application turned down by the Canadian government. Therefore, he will miss his country’s debut at the 2026 World Cup, as Ghana face Panama at Toronto Stadium.

Partey is set to stand trial in the United Kingdom on charges of rape and sexual assault, which most likely led to his visa application being rejected by Canadian authorities. However, he has the necessary documentation to remain in the United States throughout the 2026 World Cup. As Ghana travel north for their tournament opener against Panama, Partey will stay in the U.S.

Will Partey play in the 2026 World Cup?

Yes, Partey will most likely make his 2026 World Cup debut during Ghana’s second group-stage match. Although he is not allowed to travel to or enter Canada, he is cleared to play in the United States, which is where the Black Stars will play their final two Group L matches.

The midfielder is expected to play—and start—when Ghana face England and Croatia on June 23 and 27, respectively. If Ghana advance from the difficult group, they could be scheduled to play in Canada and might be without Partey for a knockout-stage match.

Ghana could be Canada-bound

Because the knockout-stage venues have already been determined, Ghana already know what their path would look like depending on how they finish in Group L. If the Black Stars finish second in the group, they will face the runner-up of Group K in Toronto. In more ways than one, Ghana might prefer finishing first—or even third—in the group rather than second.

However, Ghana must first advance from their group, which is a tall task in its own right. Once they achieve that, they can worry about where they will be headed next. Considering the Black Stars have not reached the knockout stage since 2010—when they fell to Uruguay in the quarterfinals—it is clearly a steep climb ahead of them.

“FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.”

Partey had been training with Ghana at Bryant University, the team’s base camp near Boston. The midfielder was expected to be part of the squad for the Group L clash before important legal issues prevented his travel to Canada.

Why can’t Thomas Partey enter Canada?

Thomas Partey is scheduled to stand trial in the United Kingdom on seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault. Although Partey has denied all of the allegations, that’s why the player cannot enter Canada.

Notably, the midfielder was able to enter the United States and join Ghana’s preparations in Rhode Island after receiving permission to travel there. However, Canada ultimately denied his visa application, preventing him from crossing the border for the opening match against Panama.

Following confirmation of Partey’s absence, FIFA emphasized that visa decisions remain entirely under the control of host governments. “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

“Exclusive: Thomas Partey is unavailable to play in Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Canada on June 17 as he has been denied entry to the country.”

Partey is one of the most accomplished players in Ghana’s squad, having built an impressive career at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The midfielder previously starred for Atletico Madrid before moving to Arsenal and later spending time with Villarreal. His experience, leadership, and ability to control the tempo of matches have made him a key figure for both club and country.

Why is Thomas Partey not playing for Ghana at the 2026 World Cup?

Thomas Partey will not play for Ghana against Panama because Canada denied him access to the country. The situation has quickly become one of the most controversial stories of the tournament’s opening week.

It also adds to a growing list of World Cup-related travel and entry complications that have generated debate throughout the competition. Before the tournament, Somali referee Omar Artan was barred from entering the United States and had to return home. Meanwhile, Iran were forced to alter their preparations by training in Tijuana and only entering U.S. territory on matchdays.

For Ghana, the clash with Panama is a must-win game considering the toughest part of their schedule in Group L lies ahead with consecutive matches against England and Croatia.

In October of 2020 the Gunners were so decided on recruiting the Ghanaian to their club that they didn’t wait for a negotiation. The Premier League side directly paid the release clause he had with the Colchoneros at approximately 55 million euros. That large amount of money could have been seen as a bit too steep, though he is proving his worth to head coach Mikel Arteta.

Partey is now a key piece in Arsenal’s run at an EPL title. He is the engine of the midfield with his outstanding stamina, his intelligence, and his technique. That’s why the club signed him to a very important deal in the first place. Stay here to find out more details about the 29-year-old player’s contract with the English team.

How much does Thomas Partey make?

As it always happens, along with that lucrative transaction between clubs arrived a mega contract for the player. Partey signed a five-year deal in October of 2020, which means he will be linked to the Gunners until the end of the 2024-2025 season. He then has at least three remaining years under Arsenal’s wings.

Partey’s salary is also expensive since he makes £10.400.000 per year, according to Spotrac. That number could also be divided as £200.000 weekly, £28.493 daily or £1.187 hourly. Altogether, the total figure over the full length of the deal is an astonishing £52.000.000.

Manchester United will make Pogba a £400,000 per week, five-year deal, according to the Sun. Pogba is currently away at the Euro Cup and his current salary is £290,000 per week, the pay bump would total a £104 million package at the end of the next five years.

If Paul Pogba does sign this new deal, he would automatically become the highest paid player in England, who are the other top 5 highest paid players? Here is a rundown of the players who would drop down a spot if and when Pogba puts pen to paper.

5. Thomas Partey – £250,000

The Arsenal defensive midfielder played only 20 games last season in his first season with the Gunners. Thomas Partey like Arsenal need to improve next year but he can’t complain about what he earns, a £250,000 weekly wage.

4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £250,000

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been with Arsenal since 2018 and in his 114 games the Gabon striker has scored 64 goals. The well-traveled striker currently earns £250,000 a week at Arsenal.

3. Raheem Sterling – £300,000

Raheem Sterling has been worth the £300,000 a week wage at Manchester City, with 78 goals in 195 games. Sterling played a sensational Champions League final, and while the subject of transfer rumors, it would be strange for City to let Sterling go.

2. David De Gea – £375,000

This one might be eye raising but yes David De Gea is the second-best paid player in England. De Gea has had some monster blips in his Manchester United career and if Roy Keane see’s this he will lose it. The Manchester United legend has been one of De Gea’s biggest critics.

1. Kevin De Bruyne – £385,000

The Belgian midfielder is on Manchester City’s books for £385,000 per week and is currently the Premier League’s highest paid player. Kevin De Bruyne is without question one of the best players in the World and worth every penny.

On 20 February 1992, after a vote by clubs in the Football League First Division, the competition was re-branded asthe FA Premier League.Since then, 49different clubs have competed in the league, and onlyseven have lifted the title at the end of the season.

Every year the league reveals player salaries and the list combines player wages and total compensation for the year. Previously, we published thePremier Leagueall-time top goalscorers list, but the following list presents the highest-paid players in the Premier League.

20. Marcus Rashford – Manchester United – £10,400,000

The 24-year-old Manchester United forward has been with the club since 2015, playing in over 150 games and scoring over 50 goals in the Premier League. Rashford takes home a cool £10,400,000 per season.

19. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool – £10,400,000

One of the most lethal forwards in the world, Mohamed Salah would be considered grossly underpaid for the output he has had at Anfield. Nonetheless look for the Egyptian forward to get a pay hike soon.

18. Thiago Alcántara – Liverpool – £10,400,000

Board members must really look long and hard at themselves where Alcántara makes exactly the same as Salah. The Spanish midfielder played for Bayern Munich and Barcelona previously and has won many titles.

17. Thomas Partey – Arsenal – £10,400,000

Thomas Partey is another of Arsenal’s biggest flops, 1 goal in two seasons. £10,400,000 a year, how does something like this happen? Partey scored his first goal this season after shooting blanks 24 times last year.

16. Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool – £11,440,000

Top defender Virgil Van Dijk has been a leader at Liverpool since 2018 playing in over 100 games for the club. Van Dijk has bounced back from a tough 2020/21 season.

15. Anthony Martial – Manchester United – £13,000,000

Often transfer bait Anthony Martial earns a £13,000,000 per season salary and his numbers are impressive, 56 goals in 174 games for the Red Devils. His high salary has Martial on the transfer block, but he has the talent to be a bigger player on another team.

14. Edinson Cavani – Manchester United – £13,000,000

Often absent Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani was one of the best forwards of his generation, but at Manchester United he has been injured often, although his quality has shown when he has played.

13. John Stones – Manchester City – £13,000,000

The Manchester City defender takes home £13,000,000, Stones has played over 100 games for City, and recently signed a new contract with the club. The defender has earned his keep at City.

12. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal – £13,000,000

Problem child, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the league’s highest earners, but for how long? His discipline issues have him training by himself and looking for a way out of Arsenal.

11. Timo Werner – Chelsea – £14,144,000

Now in his second season at Chelsea, Timo Werner has not lived up to his goal scoring potential. Werner is one of the league’s highest paid players, and the jury is still out on the German international.

10. Paul Pogba – Manchester United – £15,080,000

Gifted and talented midfielder Paul Pogba is still one of the highest earners in the league and is looking for a mega contract to stay at Manchester United. Pogba has shown his talents but at 28 will the Red Devils shell out that offer, he deserves it.

9. N’Golo Kanté – Chelsea – £15,080,000

N’Golo Kanté has commanded the Chelsea midfield since 2016 winning 5 titles at the club and was an integral part of the Premier League winning Leicester City side. A great player and well deserving of his wages.

8. Raheem Sterling – Manchester City – £15,600,000

Raheem Sterling at times looks on the outs at City but he has stayed steady and played vital roles at the club. With over 200 games and 9 titles, Sterling is still a big part of the club’s plans.

7. Jack Grealish – Manchester City – £15,600,000

Grealish recently arrived at City after almost a decade at Aston Villa, at Manchester City the winger has played 9 games with only 1 goal. He was recently suspended from the team for a night out.

6. Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea – £16,900,000

Romelu Lukaku is back for another go at Chelsea and the Belgian forward is back with all his fire power. Lukaku is a class forward and will light up the nets for Chelsea on his way to £16,900,000 per season.

5. Raphael Varane – Manchester United – £17,680,000

Defender Raphael Varane came to the Red Devils after a long stay at Real Madrid, in England Varane has played 7 games this season and is getting adjusted to the English game. The Frenchman is a capable defender.

4. Jadon Sancho – Manchester United – £18,200,000

English soccer prodigy Jadon Sancho made a big move to Manchester United in the summer and got the 4th biggest wage in the Premier League. At the moment the 21-year-old is still adjusting to the league and has 1 goal in 14 outings.

3. David De Gea – Manchester United – £19,500,000

Often criticized but capable goalkeeper David De Gea has bounced back this season with Manchester United. The Spanish international is now in his 11th season at the club and has played over 350 games for the club.

2. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City – £20,800,000

Kevin De Bruyne is not only one of the best players in the Premier League he is one of the best players in the world. De Bruyne has played over 190 games at City winning 10 titles and is well worth his salary and the price of admission.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United – £26,520,000

Who else but CR7, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest earner of the Premier League, making £26,520,000. Even at 36 Ronaldo still is on top of his game and since he returned to the more demanding Premier League, he has not disappointed, 7 goals in 13 league games.

The midfielderhas already chosen to wear the No.18 jersey, but it will say ‘Thomas’, not ‘Partey’ on the back of his shirt. The journalists were interested in why Partey decided to make such a decision, i.e. not to wear his surname.

“I’ve seen that there are Parteys everywhere and even the photographer asked me why I don’t use Partey on my shirt. I said it’s because I started with Thomas and people are familiar with Thomas, so I need to go with Thomas,”he said in his first interview for Arsenal’s official website.

What Thomas thinks of Arsenal move

“I think it was a new challenge for me. I’ve always wanted to play in the top leagues and the Premier League is one of the top leagues, so I’m happy to be here,” he said when talking about his move to the Gunners. “I think it’s a great challenge, I want to experience new challenges and also in a great family like Arsenal, I am ready to give it my all and try to help this great club come back to where they belong.”