BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The build-up to Ghana’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L encounter against England has taken an unusual turn, with reports indicating that England’s players are expected to follow standard pre-match protocols and shake hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey despite the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Arsenal star.
The issue has attracted significant international attention ahead of one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage, with both Ghana and England entering the contest on the back of opening-round victories.
Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi, while England produced an impressive attacking display to defeat Croatia 4-2. The results left both nations level on three points and set up a potentially decisive showdown in the battle for qualification to the knockout stages.
Much of the discussion ahead of the match has centred on the expected return of Thomas Partey, whose absence from Ghana’s opening fixture generated considerable debate.
The experienced midfielder missed the Black Stars’ victory over Panama after being denied entry into Canada because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
However, reports indicate that he has since been cleared to enter the United States and is expected to be available for selection against England.
Partey’s return would represent a major boost for head coach Carlos Queiroz, who was forced to navigate the opening fixture without one of his most influential and experienced players.
The midfielder remains a key figure for Ghana and has played an important role in the national team’s recent campaigns. Since making his international debut, Partey has become one of the Black Stars’ most recognizable players and has been instrumental in both World Cup qualification and major tournament appearances.
His expected involvement against England adds another layer of intrigue to a fixture already rich in storylines.
Several members of the England squad have close footballing connections with Partey. During his time at Arsenal, the Ghanaian midfielder shared the dressing room with current England internationals including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, both of whom developed professional relationships with him during their time together in North London.
According to reports, the English Football Association has not issued any specific instructions or guidance to players regarding interactions with Partey before the match. As a result, standard FIFA protocols are expected to be followed, including the customary pre-match handshake between players from both teams.
The matter has also prompted responses from senior figures within English football.
English FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham has reportedly maintained that the national team’s focus should remain firmly on football matters during the World Cup, while England manager Thomas Tuchel has similarly urged his players to concentrate on their responsibilities on the pitch.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Tuchel emphasised that international football teams should not become vehicles for political or non-football issues during major tournaments.
“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,” Tuchel said.
The legal proceedings involving Partey continue in the United Kingdom. The Ghana international has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women.
His trial is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Throughout the process, Thomas Partey has consistently denied all allegations against him. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, previously stated that the player “continues to deny all charges” and has “cooperated fully with the police throughout” the investigation.
