2026 World Cup: Thomas Partey summoned with Ghana despite his legal troubles
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Thomas Partey, now at Villarreal, has been called up by Ghana for preparations for the 2026 World Cup, despite seven charges of rape and a prosecution for sexual assault. The Ghanaian group also includes Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Brandon Thomas-Asante. Defender Alexander Djiku is out due to injury, while Mohammed Kudus is absent through injury. Start of the competition against Panama on June 17.
Ghana has formalized its preliminary list of 28 players for the 2026 World Cup, and the presence of Thomas Partey, former Arsenal player now at Villarreal, is particularly attracting attention. Despite legal proceedings for several alleged cases of rape and sexual assault, Partey, who is also vice-captain of the selection, benefits from the support of the Ghanaian federation. “Thomas is our vice-captain. It’s one of the best midfielders in the world and we support it,” Kurt Okraku, president of the Ghana FA, told the BBC.
Coach Carlos Queiroz led a large group in training, before announcing a final list of 26 names for the competition, notably excluding goalkeepers Solomon Agbasi and Paul Reverson. Defensively, Alexander Djiku had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury sustained in the Russian Cup final with Spartak Moscow. He is replaced by Derrick Luckassen, recently arrived in the selection.
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In attack, Ghana will be able to count on Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry) but also on the Leicester duo Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu. The goalkeeper position will also be filled by Joseph Anang, who plays for St Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland. On the other hand, Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus, injured in the thigh since January, is absent.
The Black Stars will begin their competition on June 17 in Toronto against Panama, then will continue against England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia respectively, in a particularly tough Group L.