The Ghana national football team is off to a solid start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their last result was a 1-1 draw against Wales on 2026-06-02.

Who is Thomas Partey?

Thomas Partey is a 33-year-old midfielder who plays for La Liga club Villarreal CF and the Ghana Men's National Team. He was named the Ghana Player of the Year by the Ghana Football Association in 2018 and 2019. Born and raised in Krobo Odumase, Ghana, Partey came up through the academy of local club Odometah FC.

What is the controversy surrounding Thomas Partey?

Partey is set to stand trial in the UK on seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault. The charges first came about in July 2025 when he was accused of five instances of rape against two women and sexual assault by a third between 2021 and 2022. | Charge | Date | | --- | --- | | Five instances of rape | 2021-2022 | | Sexual assault | 2021-2022 |

What comes next for Thomas Partey and the Ghana national football team?

Partey's potential inclusion in the match against England on Tuesday, June 23, at Gillette Stadium has been a source of controversy. The Ghana national football team's next fixture is against Panama on 2026-06-17. The team will be looking to build on their solid start to the tournament. And with Partey's situation unresolved, it remains to be seen how it will affect the team's performance. But one thing is certain, the Ghana national football team will be looking to make a strong impression in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.