World Cup 2026: England stars expected to shake hands with Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey is expected to be available for Ghana’s second World Cup Group L fixture against England in Boston, even as scrutiny around his off-field situation continues to cast a shadow over the tournament.

Partey missed Ghana’s first Group L game against Panama in Toronto after being denied entry into Canada because he is facing several charges of rape and sexual assault in the UK.

England’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are former Arsenal team-mates of Partey, who spent five years at the Emirates.

The Football Association has no fixed position on Partey or his involvement against England and is not expected to issue players with any guidance over shaking hands.

It is, therefore, expected that England players will shake the midfielder’s hand after the national anthems in Boston on Tuesday.

Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive, said that England have the best chance of doing well at the World Cup if they allow Thomas Tuchel and his players to “focus on football”.

Tuchel said: “At some point it must be allowed for a football team that is sent to a World Cup to be a football team and not be a political statement, be a political role model.”

On not wanting to be dragged into politics and off-the-pitch issues, the England manager added: “Maybe I can hide a little bit behind being not English and not talking to everything that happens in your country out of respect. And focus a little bit more on football. For some of us, it’s maybe the one chance in a lifetime and we want to make the best of it.”

Partey was charged last year with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, then charged with two new counts of rape in February this year. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which may not go to trial until January 2027.

The refusal by Canadian authorities to allow him entry for the Panama game was a major surprise as US border forces had allowed him to enter Washington. Partey had also been part of pre-tournament camps in the US.

Speaking in February, Jenny Wiltshire, his defence lawyer, said: “Thomas Partey continues to deny all charges against him. He has cooperated fully with the police throughout. Given that legal proceedings are ongoing, there will be no further comment.”