World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms Ghana’s Partey out of Panama game after visa refusal

World Cup 2026 game will not include Thomas Partey.FIFA confirmed on Friday Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not take part in ‌his team's World Cup game against Panama on Wednesday after his visa application to Canada was refused.

"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," reports Reuters.

"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas."

Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey, who is currently facing rape and sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has been refused entry to Canada and will be unable to take part in his team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.

Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and the United States.

What is Thomas Partey accused of?

The 32 years old Midfielde was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police in July 2025-the charges date back to his time with current Premier League champions Arsenal.

Partey pleaded not guilty in September 2025 but was charged with two fresh counts of rape in February 2026, to which he also pleaded not guilty in April.