Thomas Partey in Ghana World Cup squad despite rape charges

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is paved with difficult decisions, and for Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, none is more contentious than the inclusion of Thomas Partey in his preliminary 28-man squad. The former Arsenal midfielder, now at Villarreal, is facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four women between 2020 and 2022, with a trial set for next year. Yet, as the Black Stars prepare for a pre-tournament camp and a friendly against Wales in Cardiff on 2 June, Partey’s footballing ability has seemingly outweighed the off-field storm. Ghana’s Group L campaign kicks off against Panama in Toronto on 17 June, followed by clashes with England and Croatia — a daunting path that demands every ounce of experience Queiroz can muster.

The Controversial Call-Up: Partey’s Inclusion Amid Legal Battles

According to BBC Sport, Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his trial will not begin until after the World Cup. The 32-year-old’s selection immediately raises questions about the balance between sporting merit and moral responsibility. Queiroz, who must trim his squad to 26 players before the tournament, has opted to bring Partey into the fold despite the inevitable media scrutiny. The midfielder’s 58 caps and his ability to anchor the midfield provide a compelling footballing argument, but the decision risks dividing fan opinion and placing the player under an intense spotlight in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Partey left Arsenal last summer after his contract expired, making 167 appearances for the Gunners, and has since settled at Villarreal. His experience in high-pressure European competitions is invaluable for a Ghana side that will face two European heavyweights in England and Croatia. However, the psychological toll of the impending trial cannot be ignored. While the legal process will not directly interfere with the tournament, the constant media attention could become a distraction for both Partey and the squad. Queiroz’s gamble is clear: he believes Partey’s presence on the pitch outweighs the off-field noise.

Ghana’s Preliminary Squad: Key Players and Surprises

BBC Sport’s report details a 28-man list that blends seasoned internationals with emerging talent. Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo and Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante offer pace and directness in attack, while Leicester City duo Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu bring creativity and work rate. The inclusion of St Patrick’s Athletic goalkeeper Joseph Anang, one of five shot-stoppers, highlights the depth Queiroz is exploring before finalizing his 26-man roster.

Star Absentee: Mohammed Kudus

The most significant omission is Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus, who has been sidelined since January with a quad injury. His absence robs Ghana of their most dynamic attacking threat — a player capable of unlocking defenses with his dribbling and long-range shooting. Without Kudus, the creative burden shifts heavily onto Ayew and Fatawu, while Semenyo and Thomas-Asante will need to be clinical in front of goal. The injury also underscores the importance of Partey’s experience in midfield to control games and provide a platform for the forwards.

ESPN’s coverage of the World Cup squad announcement process notes that nations were required to submit provisional lists of 35 to 55 players to FIFA by 11 May, with final 26-player squads due by 1 June and officially announced on 2 June. Ghana’s 28-man preliminary squad is therefore a shortlist from a much larger pool, and Queiroz will use the Wales friendly to make his final cuts. The competition for places is fierce, particularly in defense, where the squad includes Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, and Alidu Seidu.

Group L Gauntlet: England, Croatia, and Panama

Fox Sports confirms Ghana’s Group L schedule, which begins against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on 17 June. The Black Stars then travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to face England on 22 June, before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on 26 June. It is a punishing itinerary against two 2018 World Cup semifinalists and a Panama side that, while beatable, cannot be underestimated.

England, with their depth of Premier League talent, will be overwhelming favorites. Croatia, led by the evergreen Luka Modrić, possess the midfield guile to dominate possession. For Ghana to advance, they likely need to defeat Panama and snatch at least a point from one of the European giants. The opening match against Panama is therefore a must-win, and Queiroz’s squad selection — particularly the inclusion of Partey — will be judged on whether it delivers results in that fixture.

AI Perspective: What This Means for Ghana’s World Cup Campaign

Ghana’s World Cup hopes hinge on navigating a perfect storm of off-field controversy, key injuries, and a brutal group. Partey’s legal situation will follow the team throughout the tournament, and any dip in his performance will be magnified. If he can compartmentalize and deliver the commanding displays he is capable of, Ghana’s midfield gains a vital anchor. If not, the team lacks a like-for-like replacement with his blend of physicality and passing range.

The absence of Kudus is a hammer blow. Without his creativity, Ghana must rely on set pieces and counterattacks, making the pace of Semenyo and the hold-up play of Thomas-Asante critical. Jordan Ayew’s experience — he has over 90 caps — will be essential in tight moments, but the team’s goal-scoring output remains a concern. Defensively, the squad has options, but the full-back positions could be exposed by England’s wide players and Croatia’s overlapping runs.

Realistically, Ghana’s best path to the knockout stage is to beat Panama and hope that England and Croatia take points off each other, leaving the Black Stars to snatch a draw against one of them. The Wales friendly on 2 June will be a litmus test for Queiroz’s tactical setup and for Partey’s ability to focus amid the noise. The final 26-man squad, due by 1 June, will reveal whether Queiroz doubles down on experience or injects more youth. For now, the inclusion of Thomas Partey is a statement: Ghana are willing to court controversy in pursuit of World Cup glory.