The Football Association is working out how England's players should handle the pre-match handshake with Thomas Partey when the two nations meet at the FIFA World Cup 2026 later this month.

England and Ghana are scheduled to face each other in Boston on June 23 in their second group stage fixture. Partey, who now plays for Villarreal after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired last year, is part of Ghana's 26-man squad for the tournament.

Charges and legal proceedings

The 31-year-old midfielder faces trial in the United Kingdom on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault — charges he has denied in their entirety. He entered not guilty pleas to all counts.

Partey was first charged in July last year with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Prosecutors added two further rape charges in February. His trial, initially set for November at Southwark Crown Court in London, may now be pushed back to early 2027.

Under his bail conditions, Partey is required to notify authorities before travelling abroad. US federal law also obliges him to declare the matter upon entering the country.

Queiroz defends his selection

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz addressed his decision to include Partey in the squad during a press conference ahead of a pre-tournament friendly against Wales in Cardiff.