Ghana’s Black Stars begin their fifth FIFA World Cup campaign on Wednesday night against Panama in Toronto.
This is the first ever senior international meeting between the two nations, and a crucial opener in a Group L that also includes England and Croatia.
The Black Stars arrived in Toronto on Monday after completing a 10-day training camp at Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island. Coach Carlos Queiroz’s side rounded off preparations with an international friendly against Wales in Cardiff on June 2, 2026.
Panama, co-hosts of the 2026 tournament, are making their second World Cup appearance after debuting at Russia 2018. Led by Thomas Christiansen, boast an experienced squad featuring 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. 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 7 pm ET (11 pm local Time) – at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.