England vs Ghana: Who will (not) shake Partey's hand?
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 23.06.26. | 11:42
The former Arsenal midfielder returns to the Black Stars' squad, though the question is how he will be received by opponents and the crowd
Ghana kicked off their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama, courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi’s added-time winner, even without their vice-captain Thomas Partey, who was denied entry to Canada, as his visa application was rejected.
Once the Black Stars moved to the USA, the former Arsenal player returned to the squad and is set to feature in his team's second group-stage clash against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, tonight (23.00).
However, the main question in England isn't directly related to the game, tactics, or any aspect of football itself. It's more about the Three Lions' players' pre-match activities.
Who will (not) shake Partey's hand?
Given that the Ghanaian was charged with five counts of rape and one sexual assault, this "handshake issue" was quite important to the English public and the FA (Football Association).
After all, Partey was heavily booed by the Wales fans in Cardiff three weeks ago during the friendly against the Black Stars.
England players will reportedly be allowed to make their own decision on whether to shake hands with former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey before the World Cup match against Ghana. The Football Association is not expected to issue any guidance and wants the focus to remain on… pic.twitter.com/QKcB1a5g9E
— OdegaardRusso🔴 (@M08russo) June 22, 2026
The FA had considered how the Three Lions' squad should approach the Villarreal player - who is soon to become a free agent - prior to the game, and the final decision was made just recently, as the players will be allowed to decide for themselves whether they want to shake Partey's hand or not, as some could possibly find it uncomfortable given the Ghanaian's legal issues.
Interestingly, he will face two of his former Arsenal teammates tonight, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, while the rest of England's squad also knows him very well from his five-year Premier League spell.
In the end, as football fans, we can only hope that these pre-game gestures will go off without controversy, with the focus after the match staying on the pitch rather than handshakes and off-field matters.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)
Group L
Tuesday 23.06.
23.00: (1.28) England (5.70) Ghana (12.0)
Wednesday 24.06.
02.00: (6.50) Panama (3.80) Croatia (1.58)
***odds are subject to change***