There has been plenty of talk about players, staff, journalists and fans struggling to get visas to come into the United States for the 2026 World Cup this summer, but – as first broken by the Athletic – Canada have now refused to grant access to one player.

The man in question is Thomas Partey, who is part of Ghana’s team. The midfielder, who currently plays in Spain for La Liga club Villarreal, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July 2025. The former Arsenal player has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ghana are based in Boston, USA, but will travel to Canada for their first World Cup match against Panama on 17 June. FIFA, however, have now confirmed in a statement that Partey will not be allowed into the co-host nation.

Partey Denied Visa For Canada Match

Partey comes into the tournament with the allegation over his head, but that has not prevented Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz from naming him as vice-captain for the 2026 World Cup. Following this visa decision from the Canadian government, though, the Black Stars will have to make do without the experienced midfielder for their opening game this summer.

The African team are set to play their first Group L match at Toronto’s BMO Field against Panama, but as now confirmed by a spokesperson at FIFA, Partey will not be involved:

The Canadian government website outlines that, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.” Partey has been charged, but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

England Players Will Likely Face Partey in Boston Fixture

Ghana will also play at least two more games this summer, but both of those will be in the United States – who have granted him a visa. After facing Panama, they will take on England at Gillette Stadium (Boston) on 23 June before closing out Group L against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) on 27 June.

As Partey is eligible to feature in both games, there will be much media interest in how he is treated by the England players. Indeed, reports have suggested that the FA have already been discussing how to approach the pre-match handshake with the midfielder.

That said, the FA declined to comment when asked if England players would be consulted on the matter.

Manchester United are accelerating their midfield rebuild plans ahead of the summer transfer window, with the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson all but secured.

However, the Reds are not done with the reshaping of their midfield, with GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs reporting that Alex Scott and Mateus Fernandes are now the club’s leading targets as Michael Carrick prepares for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are prioritising younger, high-upside profiles capable of developing into long-term starters, with both midfielders firmly on the radar.

Michael Carrick Targets Alex Scott For Old Trafford Transfer

Bournemouth midfielder Scott is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in the Premier League and is valued by the Cherries at around £80million, with the club determined to resist offers despite growing external interest.

Bournemouth remain adamant they do not want to lose key players this summer according to Talksport, with owner Bill Foley reportedly keen to build around his emerging core after securing European qualification.

Scott, who arrived from Bristol City in 2023 for around £25million, has quickly developed into a central figure in Bournemouth’s midfield, combining ball progression, creativity and tactical discipline to become a breakout Premier League star. However, the south coast club’s stance remains firm. Unless a significant offer arrives, he is not for sale. Manchester United’s interest is concrete, but they are not alone in tracking developments.

Alongside Scott, West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has also emerged as a major target, with reports suggesting United are preparing to make an official bid after identifying him as a priority alternative in midfield.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that discussions are already underway regarding Fernandes’ situation, with United actively engaging in talks behind the scenes. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:

United’s pursuit of Fernandes comes after they stepped away from a move for Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest’s £130million valuation deemed excessive by the club.

Fernandes has endured contrasting fortunes at club level, experiencing back-to-back relegations with Southampton and West Ham, but his individual performances have continued to stand out due to his technical quality.

He also made his senior debut for Portugal in April, replacing United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, a symbolic moment ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.

While Scott offers Premier League-proven versatility, Fernandes is viewed as a more progressive, deep-lying midfielder capable of controlling games from central areas.

Man Utd Still Targeting Midfield Transfer Additions

United’s evolving strategy under INEOS prioritizes long-term value and developmental ceiling over established marquee signings, a shift that has also seen Ligue 1 midfielder Mamadou Sangare linked with a potential £35million move, according to a report from Footmercato.

That’s the valuation attached to the 23-year-old after a standout season in Ligue 1. However, it’s suggested the eventual fee could prove to be even steeper.

For now, Scott and Fernandes sit at the top of United’s midfield shortlist, and with Bournemouth holding firm and West Ham open to the right offer, the race for reinforcements is only just beginning.

It has been over a decade since United’s last Premier League triumph under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. If his former midfield general Carrick is to return the Red Devils to glory, he must get this first summer window right.

Mo Salah’s teammate has made a sensational claim that he could make a shock Premier League transfer decision this summer, meaning the Egyptian King would stay in English football for another season. The Liverpool winger announced he would be leaving at the end of the 2025/26 season back in March.

At the time, the initial reaction to his farewell was that it was an acceptance he was no longer at the level needed, and that it was simply the right time to call it a day. He scored 193 goals and registered 94 assists in 328 Premier League appearances, so replacing that kind of output was always going to be a tall order, but his heartfelt farewell video made compelte sense.

Since then, however, several sources and insiders have suggested the decision may have stemmed more from frustration with Arne Slot’s management. Dejan Lovren has even claimed the Dutchman drove him out of the club, while Salah’s public outbursts have only added fuel to the fire and given weight to that narrative.

Salah’s Egypt Teammate Makes Sensational Claim About his Future

But now that Slot has been given his P45, and Andoni Iraola has been appointed as his immediate successor, Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy has claimed Salah could still stay at Anfield. He terminated his contract 12 months early, but the winger’s personal friend told national broadcaster ON Sport:

At present, Salah is being heavily linked with moves to Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, with the 33-year-old staying put in the Premier League almost entirely off the cards.

Salah’s Agent Appears To Address Rumours

Ken Blaze via Reuters

Indeed, the biggest reason not to trust what El Shenawy is saying is the fact Salah’s agent has now broken his silence to address the rumours. He took to social media to write (see his full post below):

That could undoubtedly be a way to block out the outside noise while Salah tries to help Egypt make a success in the 2026 World Cup, but rumour has it he is also “in talks” with Fenerbahce, and so Ramy Abbas Issa could well be addressing either rumour.