CanadaGhana 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 said on Friday.FIFA did not say why the midfielder's visa was deniedThomson Reuters · Posted: Jun 12, 2026 2:25 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, centre, seen playing in October 2023, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in the U.K. (Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters)Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not take part in their World Cup game against Panama on Wednesday after his visa application to enter Canada was refused, FIFA said on Friday."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," FIFA said in a statement to Reuters."FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas."CBC News has reached out to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and not yet heard back.The game begins: Canada's first World Cup match against Bosnia underway on home turfHow and where Hamiltonians — from Ghana, Portugal and beyond — will celebrate FIFA World Cup 2026Partey is with the rest of the Ghana squad in Boston and will be eligible to play in their subsequent Group L matches against England in the city and versus Croatia in Philadelphia.The 32-year-old Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder who now plays for Villarreal, faces allegations of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom. He has denied the charges. Earlier this month, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz explained why he picked Partey in his World Cup squad, citing a presumption of innocence.WATCH | What's your message for Canada's team?:What’s your message for Canada’s ⚽ Team?2 hours ago|Duration 0:48Canadian soccer is making history with Toronto hosting its first ever FIFA World Cup match June 12 with Team Canada taking on Bosnia-Herzegovina. Here’s what some fans want Canada’s squad to know going into their first World Cup match.