Ghana Names Preliminary World Cup Squad Amid Legal Controversy
On Tuesday, Ghana’s head coach Carlos Queiroz unveiled a 28‑player preliminary list for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The selection includes veteran midfielder Thomas Partey, whose recent legal troubles in the United Kingdom have drawn international attention.
Thomas Partey’s Inclusion Despite Ongoing UK Criminal Case
Partey, now 32 and playing for Villarreal CF, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges relate to alleged incidents involving four women between 2020 and 2022, according to BBC News. A trial is scheduled for early 2026.
Despite the open proceedings, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed that Partey remains eligible for national team duty under FIFA’s regulations, which allow players to represent their country while facing criminal charges unless a conviction results in a sporting ban. The GFA emphasized its commitment to due process and stated that the squad selection was based purely on footballing merit.
Partey left Arsenal FC in the summer of 2025 after five seasons in the Premier League. His contract expired, and he subsequently joined Villarreal, where he has featured regularly in La Liga. During the 2024 World Cup qualifiers, he started in eight of Ghana’s ten matches, contributing two goals and three assists.
Impact on Squad Selection and Tactical Outlook
Queiroz indicated that Partey’s experience will be vital in midfield, especially as Ghana looks to balance defensive solidity with creative output. The coach highlighted the player’s leadership qualities and his ability to dictate tempo, noting that Partey has earned 58 caps for the Black Stars.
With Partey in the squad, the midfield is expected to feature a blend of youth and experience. Potential partners include:
- Mohammed Salisu – central defender who can also drop into a holding midfield role.
- Andrew Ayew – veteran winger providing width and goal‑threat.
- Kamil Conteh – emerging box‑to‑box talent from the domestic league.
The tactical setup may lean toward a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, allowing Partey to operate as a deep‑lying playmaker while the attacking trio of Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, and a rotating supporting striker supplies the forward thrust.
Mohammed Kudus Misses Out Due to Injury
Striker Mohammed Kudus, who transferred to Tottenham Hotspur FC from West Ham United last summer, was omitted from the preliminary list. The 23‑year‑on‑old has been sidelined since January with a quadriceps injury that required surgery and subsequent rehabilitation complications.
According to Tottenham’s medical update (club website), Kudus is expected to resume light training in late April, with a potential return to competitive action by the end of the season. His absence opens opportunities for other forwards such as Semenyo, who has impressed in recent qualifiers with four goals in six appearances.
Looking Ahead: Ghana’s Group L Fixtures
Ghana has been drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, England, and Panama. The opening match against Panama is scheduled for 14 June 2026 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar. Subsequent fixtures will see the Black Stars face England on 19 June and Croatia on 24 June.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely how the team navigates both the sporting challenges and the off‑field discourse surrounding Partey’s case. The GFA has pledged to monitor the legal situation closely and to comply with any directives from FIFA or UK authorities should the circumstances change.
