Partey’s visa to the United Kingdom was denied due to multiple allegations of rape.
FIFA said in a statement on Friday that the 32-year-old Partey will not be able to travel from his team’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Ghana’s opening match with Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
“The Canadian government has rejected his visa application,” world soccer’s governing body said.
“FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including visa decisions. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who gets a visa and who is allowed entry into the country.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a statement that each person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually “based on the available facts and applicable law.”
“Canada is proud to be the host country of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is working to facilitate a successful event while maintaining the safety of Canadians,” the IRCC said in the statement.
“Canada continues to maintain that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”
Partey was on his way back to base camp in Ghana in Rhode Island after being denied a visa. He will be able to play on June 23 when Ghana plays England in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ghana’s group matches conclude against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Partey is due to stand trial in November or later on charges relating to his time with English club Arsenal from 2020-25. Partey, who now plays in Spain for Villarreal, has pleaded not guilty.
Another World Cup player, Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, is awaiting trial on similar charges in Paris.
Ghana is playing for the fifth time in the last six World Cups.
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