By Simon Asare
Accra, June 15, GNA – Ghana will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, seeking a winning start that could significantly boost their chances of progressing from Group L.
With England and Croatia widely viewed as the stronger sides in the group, the opening clash is expected to be decisive for both Ghana and Panama in their bid to remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Ghana head into the tournament aiming to reset after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the World Cup offering a chance for redemption.
Coach Carlos Queiroz, appointed in April following the sack of Otto Addo, would be looking to make an immediate impact despite having limited time to prepare his side for the global tournament.
The Black Stars are making their fifth World Cup appearance and will be determined to avoid a third consecutive group-stage exit.
Panama, meanwhile, are competing in only their second World Cup and will be targeting their first victory at the global showpiece.
Current form
Ghana’s form in the build-up to the tournament has been poor, with the Black Stars failing to win in six friendly matches, recording five defeats and one draw.
Losses to Japan and South Korea in November were followed by defeats to Austria and Germany in March.
However, a 1-1 draw against Wales provided some encouragement ahead of the opener, with signs of improvement under the new technical direction.
Panama have also experienced mixed fortunes in recent outings but arrive with a slightly more balanced record.
They recorded a win and a draw against South Africa in March before suffering a 6-2 defeat to Brazil.
The Central Americans responded with a 4-2 win over the Dominican Republic and a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in subsequent friendlies.
Team news
Ghana would be without several key players, including Mohammed Kudus, Salisu Mohammed and Alexander Djiku, who were omitted from the final squad due to injury concerns.
The Black Stars have also been dealt a significant setback with deputy captain Thomas Partey unavailable after being denied a visa to travel to Canada.
With limited options in midfield, Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored his first international goal in the draw with Wales, is expected to play a central role.
He could be partnered by Kwasi Sibo or Elisha Owusu, while Antoine Semenyo is likely to spearhead the attack.
Jordan Ayew and Iñaki Williams are also expected to provide attacking support, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi set to start in goal ahead of Benjamin Asare following his impressive outing against Wales.
Panama, on the other hand, have no major injury concerns, with coach Thomas Christiansen expected to have a full squad available for selection.
Probable line–ups
Ghana: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (GK); Gideon Mensah, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Marvin Senaya; Elisha Owusu, Caleb Yirenkyi; Iñaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo.
Panama: Orlando Mosquera (GK); Éric Davis, Andrés Andrade, José Córdoba, Jiovany Ramos; Amir Murillo, Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla; Ismael Díaz, José Fajardo, José Luis Rodríguez.
Kick-off is scheduled for 2300 GMT (Wednesday)
Prediction: Ghana 3-1 Panama
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare