Key facts
- Thomas Partey included in Ghana's World Cup squad.
- Partey faces a rape trial in London.
- The trial is scheduled for later this year.
- Andre Ayew was omitted from the squad.
Ghana's national football team coach has defended the decision to include midfielder Thomas Partey in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. This comes despite Partey facing a rape trial in London later this year. The player is expected to participate in the tournament before his legal proceedings commence. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is part of their 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup despite the former Arsenal star facing multiple rape charges in the United Kingdom. Andre Ayew also misses out, with his omission ending all but any prospect of a record fourth World Cup appearance for the former captain, who is no longer considered central to Queiroz's plans.