2026 World Cup: Thomas Partey Could Be Blocked From Knockout Tie

Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content.

His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account The 2026 World Cup could have yet more travel complications beyond the group stages as Ghana's Thomas Partey faces being blocked from featuring in his country's first knockout match, according to The Sun.

The Black Stars are almost guaranteed a place in the Round of 32 after picking up four points from their first two fixtures. A narrow victory against Panama and a goalless draw with England mean Ghana could finish either first, second or third in Group L.

Partey started in the England game, but he may not be allowed to feature for his team in the next round, depending on their final position. The 33-year-old is awaiting trial in the UK on rape and sexual assault charges. He has denied all allegations.

Should Ghana beat Croatia in their final group game and overcome England's goal difference in the process, the Africans would top Group L. That'd set up a Round of 32 tie with one of the best third-placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J or K.

Partey would be able to play in that game as it'd take place in the United States, just like the England draw. It would be played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

However, there will be complications if they finish as runners-up in the group. The midfielder had to sit out of his nation's first match against Panama after being denied a visa to enter Canada due to his ongoing case.

Vinicius Junior only ranks fifth among the top performers at the World Cup so far, despite four goal contributions spread across his three appearances

A second-placed finish would see Ghana play against either Portugal or Colombia at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario. It's likely the ex-Arsenal man would again be blocked from entering the country.

Kansas City would be the venue hosting Ghana in the first knockout round if they end up finishing third. That would see Partey available to Carlos Queiroz for selection.

Ahead of his first appearance at this year's World Cup, all attention was on whether every England player would shake Partey's hand. Tottenham's Djed Spence appeared to be the only Three Lions member to avoid the pre-match routine.

The English Football Association originally took time to consider whether they'd make the players' decision for them before the match. But in the end, they left it up to each individual on whether they wanted to acknowledge their opponent or not.

Partey was asked about the incident in the mixed zone following the draw, but did not provide an answer.