World Cup 2026: Preview – Ghana begin campaign against Panama

Ghana’s senior soccer males team, the Black Stars commence their fifth FIFA World Cup campaign on Wednesday night against Panama in Toronto, Canada.

The encounter which happens to be the first ever senior international meeting between the two nations, promises to be en epic opener in Group L, which also houses giants England and Croatia.

The Black Stars touched down in Toronto on Monday afternoon following a successful completion of a 10-day training camp at Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island, in the United States. Coach Carlos Queiroz’s charges had been since their final international friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2, 2026. No injuries were recorded as the Ghanaian side rounded off their preparatory activities.

Panama on the other hand are making their second World Cup appearance following their debut at Russia 2018. Led by Thomas Christiansen, they boast of an experienced squad including captain Aníbal Godoy, Marseille’s Michael Amir Murillo, and Houston Dynamo playmaker Adalberto Carrasquilla.

Team News

Ghana: Coach Queiroz confirmed that his players are fit and available. Captain Jordan Ayew leads a squad blending experience — Antoine Semenyo, Gideon Mensah, Baba Abdul Rahman, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Inaki Williams — with emerging talent – Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Joas Adjetey, and Kamal Deen Sulemana.

“We did everything possible to have our players ready for tomorrow,” Queiroz said on Tuesday. “All games are a must-win. The only medicine that works in football is to win.”

Panama: Christiansen has no reported injury concerns as well. The spine of his team is built around Godoy, Carrasquilla, and striker Ismael Díaz. Murillo and Fidel Escobar provide steel at the back.

Carlos Queiroz: “We know the size of the mountain that we have in front of us that we have to climb. But we need player number 12. I hope the drums of Ghana will be 90 minutes in our hearts to help us beat our opponents.”

Form Guide

Ghana – Unbeaten in Six FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2025. The team drew 1-1 with Wales in the June friendly.

Panama: W-W-W-D-L in last 5. Unbeaten in 2026 qualifying and won the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Match Facts

This is Ghana’s 5th World Cup: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026

This is Panama’s 2nd World Cup: 2018, 2026
Panama lost 3-0 to Belgium in their debut World Cup game in 2018

Kick-off is set for 7pm ET (11pm local Time) – at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.