Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is eligible to play against England in the World Cup tonight, after being forced to miss his side's opening match against Panama due to visa issues. The 33-year-old faces trial at Southwark Crown Court next year on charges including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, plus two additional rape counts filed in February. Partey denies all allegations.
Visa denial forces absence
Partey missed Ghana's 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto because Canadian officials refused to grant him entry. After an initial visa rejection, Partey submitted an emergency application, but a judge upheld the original decision. Court documents later revealed that Partey failed to disclose the criminal charges on his visa application. A statement read in court indicated Partey had offered to be supervised by Ghanaian team officials throughout his stay in Canada.
US visa clears path for England clash
No such obstacle exists for the match against England in Boston. United States authorities have granted Partey a visa, allowing him to play. He will also be available for Ghana's final Group L match against Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday. However, if Ghana advances to the knockout stages and a game is scheduled in Canada, the same issue could resurface.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed no reservations about selecting Partey despite the serious charges. If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,
Queiroz said before the tournament. I don't have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about? This is not for me or you to make a judgement about. Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.
Handshake protocol
England players are expected to shake hands with Partey after the national anthems, as is customary. The Football Association has not issued any specific guidance, leaving players free to decide individually. Partey, who made over 160 appearances for Arsenal between 2020 and 2025, previously played alongside England stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice at the north London club. He joined Villarreal on a free transfer last year, featuring in over 30 matches during the 2025/26 season, but is currently without a club after Villarreal opted not to renew his contract this summer.
