Ghana's final 26-man World Cup squad has been announced, with Thomas Partey's inclusion drawing significant attention due to the serious legal proceedings he faces. The 32-year-old midfielder, now at Villarreal, has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to stand trial next year.
Despite the pending case, the Ghana Football Association has thrown its full support behind the player, who serves as the national team's vice-captain. FA president Kurt Okraku told BBC Sport: "Thomas is our vice-captain. He is one of the top midfielders in the world and we stand by him shoulder to shoulder." This endorsement comes as head coach Carlos Queiroz named Partey in the preliminary 28-man squad and retained him when trimming the roster down to the final 26.
Partey's career has been marked by top-level experience, most notably during his five-year stint at Arsenal, where he made 167 appearances before leaving as a free agent last summer. Now at Villarreal, he remains a key figure for club and country. His presence in midfield is expected to be pivotal for Ghana's ambitions in a challenging Group L that includes Panama, England, and Croatia.
The squad selection also features a mix of emerging and established talent. Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo and Coventry City striker Brandon Thomas-Asante have both earned spots, while Leicester City duo Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu add Premier League pedigree. Goalkeeper Joseph Anang, who plays for St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland, is a surprise inclusion among the three shot-stoppers.
Injury has forced two significant omissions. Centre-back Alexander Djiku was ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during Spartak Moscow's Russian Cup final triumph on 24 May. He has been replaced by Derrick Luckassen, a Netherlands-born defender who made his Ghana debut in March. Meanwhile, Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus misses out due to a quad injury that has sidelined him since January, depriving Ghana of one of their most dynamic attackers.
The full goalkeeping corps consists of Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen), and Anang. Defensive options include Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), and Alidu Seidu (Rennes), among others. The midfield is anchored by Partey alongside Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo) and Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne). Up front, Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) and Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta) provide additional firepower.
The context of Partey's legal situation cannot be ignored. The allegations span a two-year period during his time in England, and his trial will take place after the World Cup. The decision to select him has sparked debate about the balance between presumption of innocence and the message it sends. However, Okraku's statement signals the association's belief in Partey's innocence and his value to the team.
Queiroz faces the task of keeping the squad focused amid external scrutiny. The team will assemble for a pre-tournament camp and a friendly against Wales in Cardiff on 2 June, a crucial test before their World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on 17 June. Matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia follow in rapid succession.
For Partey, the World Cup offers an opportunity to reaffirm his footballing quality on the global stage. His ability to dictate play and shield the defense will be vital if Ghana are to progress from a group that includes the 2018 finalists and a talented Panama side. Yet the off-field cloud remains a distraction that the team must manage.
Ghana's campaign will be underpinned by a blend of youth and experience, but Partey's leadership, both on and off the pitch, is irreplaceable. The coming weeks will test the squad's unity and resilience. As the legal process unfolds, the football focus intensifies.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.