World Cup 2026: Ghana FA reportedly set to place Thomas Partey first in handshake line against England

Ghana’s highly anticipated World Cup 2026 showdown with England is already generating discussion away from the pitch, with reports suggesting the Ghana Football Association is prepared to stand firmly behind Thomas Partey during pre-match formalities.

This comes after reports indicated that England players may be directed to boycott shaking hands with Partey due to his ongoing legal battles in the UK.

According to reports, the Black Stars are considering placing Partey at the front of the traditional handshake line when Ghana face England in their Group L encounter on June 23 in Boston. The reported message is clear: any decision to bypass Partey during the customary greeting would be viewed as a snub to the entire Ghana team.

Handshake Tradition Under Spotlight

The pre-match handshake has long been regarded as one of football’s enduring symbols of respect between opposing teams. However, the ritual has come under increased attention ahead of the upcoming fixture due to the circumstances surrounding Partey’s inclusion in Ghana’s World Cup squad.

While no official directive has been issued, discussions are reportedly taking place within football circles regarding how players should approach the customary greeting before kick-off.

Ghana and England Prepare for Key Group L Encounter

The June 23 meeting in Boston will be the second group-stage match for both nations at the tournament being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Reports from The Times indicate that internal discussions are ongoing in the England team over whether specific guidance should be provided to players regarding the pre-match handshake. The conversations are understood to centre on how participants should handle traditional matchday formalities in light of the situation surrounding Partey.

No Official Decision Yet

Despite the growing speculation, neither the Ghana Football Association nor England’s management team has announced an official position on the matter.

For now, discussions remain ongoing as both teams continue their preparations for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched fixtures of the Group L campaign.