After missing out on AFCON 2025, Ghana will be eager to respond on football’s grandest stage as they begin their 2026 World Cup journey against Panama. The encounter marks the opening match for both nations in Group L, which also includes Croatia and England, and represents the first-ever meeting between the two sides. With neither team having kept a clean sheet across their previous six matches, attention is likely to focus on the goals market.
Between them, Ghana and Panama boast five players in their squads who have reached double figures for international goals. The Black Stars are participating in the World Cup for the fifth time, and that experience stands as one of their key advantages heading into this fixture. Unsurprisingly, bookmakers have installed them as favourites to claim victory.
The African giants will be aiming for a sixth World Cup win as they prepare for their 16th match in the competition. Panama, meanwhile, are making only their second appearance and hope to improve on their 2018 campaign in Russia, where they lost all three group-stage matches.
Ghana open their FIFA World Cup campaign on Wednesday in Toronto with a Group L showdown against Panama. The two nations meet for the very first time on Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup group stage in Canada.
The Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but this tournament provides an opportunity for redemption under Carlos Queiroz.
Queiroz succeeded Otto Addo in April after the latter was controversially dismissed despite securing Ghana’s qualification for the World Cup.
Ironically, Queiroz himself is believed to have been pushed out by one of Ghana’s rivals, South Africa, after guiding them to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
At that tournament, Bafana Bafana were managed by Jomo Sono after Queiroz resigned following Sono’s appointment as technical director, a move the Portuguese coach believed was intended to weaken his authority.
Queiroz stepped in to manage Iran shortly before the 2022 World Cup, giving him valuable experience in stabilising a team within a short period. However, unlike his previous eight-year spell with Iran, he has had to work without long-term familiarity in charge of Ghana.
The Black Stars suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico while Queiroz was absent from the touchline last month before Caleb Yirenkyi netted the first Ghana goal of his tenure in a 1-1 draw against Wales.
Panama recorded a victory and a draw in consecutive away fixtures against South Africa in March, offering Ghana a glimpse of their capabilities against African opposition of a comparable level.
Thomas Christiansen’s men have since produced mixed results in friendly matches, falling 6-2 to Brazil before defeating the Dominican Republic 4-2 and drawing 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina.
This Group L contest at World Cup 2026 in Toronto has all the ingredients of a high-pressure encounter between two nations aware that the group’s leading positions are likely to be contested by others. Ghana arrive with genuine attacking quality, an impressive qualifying record of five victories and one draw from six CAF matches, and a coach in Carlos Queiroz whose extensive tournament experience could prove invaluable under pressure.
Panama, guided by Thomas Christiansen, are built around organisation and teamwork rather than star power. Their unbeaten CONCACAF qualifying campaign, which saw them go eight matches without defeat, highlights a disciplined and difficult-to-break-down side. However, their second World Cup appearance after debuting in Russia 2018 will test whether that regional consistency can translate against a Ghana team packed with attacking talent.
The match may ultimately be decided by which side makes the first mistake. Ghana are expected to attack from the outset and involve their dangerous forwards early, while Panama will likely sit deeper, frustrate their opponents and seek opportunities on the counterattack. The team that successfully imposes its style could emerge with all three points.
Neither side is widely expected to challenge for top spot in Group L, which is anticipated to be dominated by either England or Croatia.
Panama are participating in only their second World Cup after benefiting from the absence of the three co-host nations during CONCACAF qualification. The Central Americans failed to earn a point in their debut appearance in 2018, but the squad has developed considerably over the last eight years.
Former Barcelona striker Thomas Christiansen has spent almost six years in charge of Panama, and that continuity contrasts sharply with the instability that has characterised Ghana’s preparations for the tournament.
The Black Stars missed out on qualification for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations but comfortably navigated their World Cup qualifying group. Nevertheless, they parted company with Otto Addo in April and appointed veteran manager Carlos Queiroz, who is poised to become only the third coach to manage at five World Cups.
The West African side have fallen to 73rd in the FIFA world rankings and have also been hit by several injury setbacks ahead of the competition.
Ghana parted ways with Otto Addo earlier this year, a move that surprised some observers, before appointing former Real Madrid and Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz as his successor.
The Black Stars enter this fixture after opening 2026 with defeats against Austria, Germany and Mexico. Those results extended their losing streak to five matches following qualification for the World Cup, although they managed to halt that run with a 1-1 draw against Wales in their final warm-up match.
Ghana head into the tournament after a pair of disappointing preparation performances, losing 2-0 to Mexico before drawing 1-1 with Wales at Cardiff City Stadium, where they conceded a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser.
Panama, managed by former Leeds United boss Thomas Christiansen, progressed through CONCACAF qualifying in convincing fashion, comfortably finishing ahead of El Salvador, Guatemala and Suriname in the final qualification round.
The Panamanians experienced a mixed 2025 campaign. It began with a CONCACAF Nations League semi-final victory over the United States before they narrowly lost to Mexico in the final and were later eliminated by Honduras in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Their pre-tournament friendlies included a heavy 6-2 defeat against Brazil, followed by an entertaining 4-2 victory over the Dominican Republic and a 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina, a side considered to be of similar strength.
Mohammed Kudus is Ghana’s most notable omission from the World Cup squad, with the Tottenham Hotspur attacker left out due to concerns regarding his recovery from a quadriceps injury sustained in January.
CF Montréal striker Prince Owusu was also excluded despite his outstanding form in Major League Soccer.
Thomas Partey is unavailable for the Black Stars after being refused entry into Canada.
Panama have selected an experienced squad for the tournament as they aim to improve upon their group-stage exit from their only previous World Cup appearance in 2018.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, now playing for Villarreal, remains one of Ghana’s most influential figures but is set to miss the opening match after being denied a visa to enter Canada, where the game will take place in Toronto.
Key defender Alexander Djiku has also withdrawn from the squad through injury, representing a significant setback given Carlos Queiroz’s preference for a back-three system.
The Black Stars suffered another major setback after the Canadian authorities denied Partey tournament entry. The experienced midfielder remains at the team’s Boston training base and is expected to return for the remaining group matches. Apart from his absence, Queiroz has a fully available squad.
Tottenham Hotspur star Mohammed Kudus is expected to shoulder much of the creative responsibility in attack, while the in-form Antoine Semenyo will provide pace and support for captain Jordan Ayew in the final third.
Carlos Queiroz can call upon a squad rich in European football experience, led by Mohammed Kudus, who completed a high-profile transfer to Tottenham Hotspur last summer and enters the tournament as Ghana’s primary creative outlet. Thomas Partey contributes control and structure in midfield, while Leicester City captain Jordan Ayew adds leadership and experience, boasting 34 international goals from 120 appearances.
Iñaki Williams remains an important attacking option despite missing part of the final qualification window through injury. Antoine Semenyo, listed as a midfielder, recently joined Manchester City and offers valuable versatility. Ghana also possess exciting younger attackers such as Ernest Nuamah, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Abdul Fatawu, providing pace and directness in wide areas.
Defensively, Gideon Mensah and Abdul Rahman Baba are competing for the left-back role, while Lawrence Ati-Zigi is expected to start in goal. Defensive organisation under pressure remains a concern following several heavy friendly defeats, and Queiroz has been working to address those issues during his limited preparation period.
At the time of writing, Panama appear to have a fully fit squad available for their opening encounter with Ghana in Canada.
The team’s experienced core is built around goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, defender Michael Amir Murillo and midfield leader Anibal Godoy, Panama’s all-time appearance record holder. Adalberto Carrasquilla missed the pre-tournament friendlies through injury but has returned to training and could feature.
Thomas Christiansen faces a late decision regarding Carrasquilla’s fitness. The influential Pumas midfielder sat out all warm-up matches but resumed training on Sunday. The coach may opt to ease the 27-year-old back into action from the bench.
Veteran captain Anibal Godoy is set to earn his 156th international cap in Toronto and will anchor the midfield. Defender Michael Amir Murillo will be tasked with helping contain Ghana’s dangerous attack.
Adalberto Carrasquilla, the 2024 CONCACAF Player of the Year, remains the heartbeat of Panama’s midfield, combining defensive work with progressive passing. His fitness situation could significantly influence Panama’s tactical approach.
Ismael Díaz represents Panama’s primary scoring threat after leading their recent goalscoring charts, while José Fajardo provides experience and intelligent movement in attack. Orlando Mosquera is expected to start in goal, with Michael Amir Murillo and Fidel Escobar forming part of an experienced defensive spine. Despite being 36 years old, Aníbal Godoy continues to offer leadership and defensive stability in midfield.
The two nations have never previously met.
Ghana have won two of their three World Cup matches against CONCACAF opposition, with all of those encounters coming against the United States.
Panama’s only previous World Cup meeting with an African nation ended in a 2-1 defeat to Tunisia at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Date: Wednesday, June 17 at 19:00 local time in Toronto (23:00 GMT, 00:00 Thursday BST, 01:00 Thursday CAT)
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto
In Ghana, the match is expected to be broadcast on SuperSport channels 204, 205 and 222.
SuperSport holds rights to all 104 matches at the tournament, while Ghana’s public broadcaster GTV has also secured rights to selected World Cup fixtures. Sporty TV and Channel One TV are likewise expected to provide coverage, according to widespread reports.
ITV will broadcast the match in the United Kingdom, while FOX owns English-language rights in the United States.
United States: Fox Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Tubi, Fox One
Canada: TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, CTV Two, RDS App, CTV App, Crave
Mexico: ViX Mexico
United Kingdom: ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland, STV Player
India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5
UK: BBC & ITV
USA: FOX Sports
Nigeria: DStv, GOtv
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Joseph Anang, Benjamin Asare, Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Abdul Mumin, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Rahman Baba, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya, Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Elisha Owusu, Augustine Boakye, Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Antoine Semenyo, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Iñaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Prince Adu.
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang
Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Elisha Owusu, Derrick Luckassen.
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
Forwards: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew
Luis Mejía, César Samudio, Orlando Mosquera, César Blackman, José Córdoba, Fidel Escobar, Edgardo Fariña, Jiovany Ramos, Éric Davis, Andrés Andrade, Amir Murillo, Roderick Miller, Jorge Gutiérrez, Cristian Martínez, José Luis Rodríguez, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Yoel Bárcenas, Carlos Harvey, Aníbal Godoy, Tomás Rodríguez, Ismael Díaz, José Fajardo, Cecilio Waterman, Alberto Quintero, César Yanis, Azarías Londoño.
Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera, Luis Mejia, Cesar Samudio
Defenders: Cesar Blackman, Jorge Gutierrez, Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andres Andrade, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Eric Davis, Jiovany Ramos, Roderick Miller
Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martínez, José Luis Rodríguez, César Yanis, Yoel Barcenas, Alberto Quintero, Azarias Londoño
Forwards: Ismael Diaz, Cecilio Waterman, Jose Fajardo, Tomas Rodriguez
Ati-Zigi; Opoku, Peprah Oppong, Seidu; Senaya, Owusu, Yirenkyi, Baba Rahman; Semenyo, Ayew, Nuamah
Unavailable: Partey (Ineligible)
Questionable:
Mosquera; Murillo, Cordoba, Andrade; Blackman, Godoy, Carrasquilla, Davis; Diaz, J. Rodriguez; Fajardo
Unavailable:
Questionable: Carrasquilla (Fitness)
As demonstrated in CONCACAF competitions, including last year’s Nations League campaign, Panama are capable of being extremely difficult to beat. Their familiarity with regional conditions could also prove beneficial during the tournament. Ghana possess greater pedigree and arguably more individual quality, particularly in attack, and will back themselves to score. However, the resilience and awkward style of their Central American opponents point toward a closely fought contest. Despite off-field challenges, Ghana still appear to have the stronger attacking options, while Panama showed encouraging intent in their warm-up matches, making this an appealing fixture for neutral viewers.
Ghana struggled during their preparation period but continued to demonstrate attacking potential. Panama enjoyed more encouraging results and displayed offensive fluency. As a result, both teams finding the net appears a realistic outcome.
Although Ghana arguably have the stronger squad on paper, their recent form makes this a potentially tricky opener. Panama arrive with confidence, organisation and reduced pressure, making them capable of causing problems. The Black Stars should have enough quality to avoid defeat, but Panama’s discipline and belief could help them secure a valuable point.
The meeting between Ghana and Panama promises to be an intriguing contest. Both teams possess talented players and, despite neither being regarded among the traditional European powers, supporters can expect an entertaining and competitive encounter.
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