On 23/6 in Boston, 26 Ghana players were instructed by the referee to approach the England team for the pre-match handshake. Djed Spence was the only player who refused to shake Thomas Partey's hand.

Ghana's vice-captain started the match, having missed the opening 1-0 victory against Panama in Toronto after co-host Canada denied him an entry visa. This decision was due to Partey facing 7 rape charges and one sexual assault charge, with a trial pending in London, England. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that her client "continues to deny all accusations against him".

England defender Djed Spence (white shirt, left) refused to shake hands with Thomas Partey (yellow shirt, right) during England's 0-0 draw with Ghana in the second round of Group L, World Cup 2026, at Boston stadium in the US on 23/6. *Photo: PA*

Before the match, the English Football Association (FA) had informed its players that they could decide whether to shake hands with the former Arsenal midfielder. The moment the two teams' players shook hands was not fully broadcast on television.

Boos erupted from a section of England fans when Thomas Partey's name appeared on the big screen at Boston stadium during the lineup announcement. In contrast, a group of Ghana supporters, some wearing jerseys with Partey's name and number 5, cheered enthusiastically for the midfielder, who was born in 1993.

During the post-match press conference, England coach Thomas Tuchel declined to comment on Spence's actions, citing legal issues.

Thomas Partey (right) celebrates with teammates after Ghana's 0-0 draw with England in the second round of Group L, World Cup 2026, at Boston stadium in the US on 23/6. *Photo: AP*

Partey, a defensive midfielder, gained prominence playing for Atletico Madrid from the 2015-2016 season before moving to Arsenal in 2020. In 7/2022, he was arrested in connection with sexual assault allegations. Despite this, he continued to play for Arsenal until his contract expired at the end of the 2024-2025 season. He currently plays for Villarreal.

Djed Spence, born in 2000, plays for Tottenham. Despite his club narrowly avoiding relegation this season, the defender, who has a Jamaican father and Kenyan mother, was called up by coach Tuchel. This made Spence the first Muslim player to represent the "Three Lions".

On 28/8, Partey and Ghana will play a decisive match against Croatia for qualification from Group L. Should Ghana finish second in the group, they would have to travel to Toronto – the city where Partey was previously denied a visa.

The Canadian government's decision was condemned by Ghana as "extremely unfair". FIFA, however, cannot intervene in national laws.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz maintained his stance that Partey is innocent until proven guilty. "This is not something I or anyone has the right to judge," the 73-year-old coach stated. He added, "Let things take their natural course. Let the river flow. One day, when the river flows into the ocean, we will find the truth."

By Trung Thu (via Mail Sports)