FIFA confirmed the development on Friday, two days ahead of Ghana's opening Group L match at BMO Field on Wednesday, June 17.
"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, 32, faces allegations from four different women relating to incidents between 2020 and 2022, during the period he played for Arsenal. He pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court in September 2025, before two further counts of rape were added in February 2026, to which he also pleaded not guilty in April. His trial, originally scheduled for November 2026, has been pushed back to June 8, 2027.
FIFA was explicit about the limits of its role in the matter.
"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."
The Canadian government's immigration department, responding on behalf of minister Lena Diab, did not directly address Partey's case but outlined its general position.
"Canada is proud to be a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians. Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada's immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies."
The situation highlights a stark contrast between Canada's and the United States' immigration approaches to the same player. US Customs and Border Protection confirmed Partey was admitted into the United States on June 3 after being issued a visa, despite being aware of the pending case.
"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. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection. CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with US law. CBP defers to Canada for questions on his denial of entry."
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz selected Partey for the World Cup squad earlier this month, citing the presumption of innocence. Partey remains eligible to play in Ghana's remaining group fixtures — against England in Boston on June 23, and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27 — both of which take place on US soil.
Partey is on bail with conditions that include notifying authorities of any travel abroad and not contacting the alleged victims. He played 57 times for Ghana and featured in their final warm-up match against Wales on June 2. Whether he is able to play any part in this World Cup now rests entirely on geography — and on borders that, for one player facing one set of allegations, have produced two very different answers.