"Why Can Thomas Partey Play in the U.S. but Not in Canada After Rape Charges?"

THOMAS PARTEY is ready to walk into a Boston cauldron tonight, just days after being barred from entering Canada.

The 33-year-old midfielder is desperate to line up against in a crucial Group L World Cup showdown.

Partey speaks to the media after a training session on June 22 Credit: PA Partey poses for a portrait during the official World Cup 2026 portrait session Credit: Getty

But his presence on American soil has sparked a furious trans-Atlantic debate after a major border storm.

Here is everything you need to know about the former star’s legal maze ahead of tonight’s blockbuster kick-off.

Why was Thomas Partey not allowed into Canada?

Canada has some of the strictest border laws on the planet, as Partey found out last week.

He was forced to sit out last Wednesday’s (June 17) clash with Panama in Toronto after border officials blocked him at the gates.

Partey is facing a criminal trial in the UK, having been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents in London between 2020 and 2022.

He denies all charges and is set to face trial next summer.

Under Canadian law, border agents have the power to deem anyone “inadmissible” if they are facing serious criminal charges abroad, even without a formal conviction.

Why has Partey been allowed into the United States?

While Canada slammed the door, the United States decided to open theirs.

Despite facing a high-profile trial that could see him jailed if convicted, the midfielder was granted a US visa to compete in the rest of the tournament.

American border officials reviewed his case and decided that, because he has not been convicted, he did not meet the threshold for an automatic ban at this stage.

Partey shrugged off the Canadian snub, claiming the border chaos was simply “part of .”

Speaking ahead of the match in Boston, he said: “Things happen outside football that you cannot control. For me now, I feel OK and ready to play.”

Partey poses for a portrait during the official World Cup 2026 portrait session Credit: Getty Partey was seen taking part in a training session ahead of Ghana’s crucial Group L game against England Credit: PA

Will he play against England?

He certainly wants to, and the midfielder insists he is fully focused on the pitch.

Ghana can secure a spot in the knockout stages with a win over the Three Lions.

They are currently sitting second in Group L ahead of their final group game against Croatia on Saturday (June 27).

Boss Carlos Queiroz kept his cards firmly close to his chest at his pre-match press conference, refusing to confirm if the player will start.