This decision quickly became a topic of debate as the 33-year-old player is currently facing many charges related to sexual assault in England.
According to British media, Partey was prosecuted on 5 charges of rape and 1 charge of sexual assault involving 3 different women. The incidents are believed to have occurred in the period from 2021 to 2022, when this midfielder was still playing for Arsenal.
After his contract with the London team expired in the summer of 2025, Partey joined Villarreal on a free transfer. Despite legal issues, the Ghanaian player still regularly played for the La Liga representative with 32 appearances in the past season.
The case is still being handled by the judicial authorities in the UK. Partey denied all charges and is on bail to continue cooperating with the investigation process.
Despite the controversy, Ghana national team head coach Carlos Queiroz still decided to include Partey in the 2026 World Cup squad.
The Portuguese coach believes that the principle of presumption of innocence needs to be respected until there is a final ruling from the court.
Until the court draws a conclusion, every individual is considered innocent. We need to let the legal process take place and wait for the truth to be clarified," Queiroz told international media.
Thomas Partey has been one of the pillars of the Ghana national team for many years. Since the beginning of 2026, this midfielder has made 2 appearances for the national team and continues to be considered an important factor in coach Carlos Queiroz's plan at the 2026 World Cup.
However, Partey's presence at the biggest football festival on the planet is still generating many mixed opinions from fans as well as social organizations, in the context that the case has not reached a final conclusion.
