World Cup Players Face Sexual Assault Allegations in Multiple Countries

Four footballers selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are under investigation for sexual‑offence allegations. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is charged in a French court with rape after a 2023 encounter, while Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey faces seven rape counts and one sexual‑assault charge in the United Kingdom, leading Canada to refuse his visa for the opening match. Japan’s Kaishu Sano and Junya Ito have been linked to separate sexual‑assault accusations in Tokyo and Osaka; Sano’s case was later dropped but he remained in the squad, prompting public debate in Japan.

All four players deny the accusations and have not been convicted. Their legal situations have sparked criticism of FIFA’s handling of pending criminal investigations and raised questions about the presumption of innocence versus sporting consequences. The cases have also affected travel permissions, with Partey eventually cleared to enter the United States for later stages after an initial denial by Canada.