Spence handshake snub of Thomas Partey overshadows

A tense pre-match protocol has stolen the headlines at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where footage appeared to show England full-back Djed Spence refusing to shake hands with Ghana vice-captain Thomas Partey before their Group L clash at Gillette Stadium.

Speculation had mounted ahead of kick-off over whether Thomas Tuchel’s squad would collectively snub the former Arsenal midfielder. Ultimately, the rest of the Three Lions roster observed the standard pre-match formalities, leaving the Tottenham defender as the solitary player to bypass the gesture, reports Guardian.

While the official television broadcast cut away from the lineups at the crucial moment, fan footage circulating online caught the exchange. As the teams filed past one another, Spence kept his right hand tucked firmly inside the pocket of his tracksuit top. The move caught Partey off guard, prompting the midfielder to look back over his shoulder toward Spence before continuing down the line. The tension carried into the match itself, as large sections of England fans heavily booed the Villarreal player whenever he touched the ball.

The friction stems from serious legal allegations hanging over the 33-year-old midfielder. Partey faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four women, relating to alleged incidents in London between 2020 and 2022. He has vehemently denied all allegations, with his legal team maintaining that he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name. Originally scheduled for this year, the trial at Southwark Crown Court was recently delayed by a judge and is now set to begin on June 8, 2027.

Partey’s participation in the tournament had already caused friction earlier in the week. He was barred from entering Canada for Ghana's opening group match against Panama in Toronto after authorities discovered he had answered "no" on his visa application regarding pending criminal charges. United States customs officials chose to clear him for entry into Boston, stating they were aware of the case but recognized he has not been convicted of a crime. Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has robustly defended his selection, reiterating that the midfielder is afforded the presumption of innocence.