Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
England defender Djed Spence appeared to avoid shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their Group L clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while France coach Didier Deschamps temporarily left his national team camp following the death of his mother. The incidents emerged on a day that also saw FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirm that United States President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey and participate in the trophy presentation ceremony.
The developments came as the tournament entered a crucial phase with teams battling for qualification to the knockout rounds.
Spence and Partey Incident Draws Attention
Ahead of England’s goalless draw against Ghana in Foxborough, television footage appeared to show Djed Spence bypassing Thomas Partey during the traditional pre match greetings.
While England players were seen offering handshakes and fist bumps to their Ghanaian counterparts, Spence appeared to make no attempt to greet Partey.
The moment quickly attracted attention due to the ongoing legal situation involving the Ghana midfielder.
Partey is facing seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault in the United Kingdom relating to allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. He denies all allegations.
The 33 year old was also subjected to boos from sections of the England support throughout the match whenever he touched the ball.
Last week, Partey missed Ghana’s opening World Cup fixture after Canadian authorities denied him entry into the country. He currently plays club football for Villarreal in Spain.
England Frustrated by Ghana Stalemate
The match itself ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw for England.
Despite controlling significant periods of possession, England failed to convert their opportunities and were unable to break down a disciplined Ghana defence.
The result leaves qualification scenarios still unresolved heading into the final round of group matches.
For Ghana, the draw represented another resilient performance and strengthened their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.
Deschamps Leaves France Camp
France received difficult news ahead of their final group match after coach Didier Deschamps learned of the death of his mother.
The French Football Federation confirmed that Deschamps would return home to attend the funeral and therefore miss France’s final Group I fixture against Norway.
Assistant coach Guy Stephan will assume responsibility for the team during Deschamps’ absence.
The announcement came despite France already securing qualification for the knockout stages following victories against Senegal and Iraq.
France now faces Norway in a match that will determine top position in the group.
End of an Era for France
The tournament marks Deschamps’ final competition as France head coach.
During his 14 year tenure, he has overseen one of the most successful periods in French football history.
His achievements include guiding France to World Cup glory in 2018 while also reaching the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup final.
Although France fell short in those latter two finals, Deschamps established himself as one of the most accomplished international coaches of the modern era.
His temporary departure represents an emotional moment for both the coach and the national team during a critical stage of the competition.
Trump to Attend World Cup Final
Away from on field matters, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Infantino revealed that Trump will join him during the trophy presentation ceremony following the conclusion of the tournament.
The announcement continues the close relationship that has developed between FIFA leadership and Trump in recent years.
The decision follows discussion surrounding the Club World Cup final trophy presentation, where Trump remained on stage during Chelsea’s celebrations after their victory over Paris Saint Germain.
FIFA now appears prepared to involve the president directly in one of the tournament’s most high profile ceremonial moments.
As the World Cup group stage nears its conclusion, attention remains divided between developments on the pitch and major stories unfolding away from it. From qualification battles to coaching changes and political involvement, the tournament continues to generate headlines across multiple fronts.
With knockout qualification at stake and several high profile figures attracting attention, the drama surrounding the 2026 World Cup shows no signs of slowing down.
