Ghana get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway against Panama in Toronto on Thursday 18 June (00:00 UK time), in a match the Black Stars will view as crucial to their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
Preparations for the tournament have been far from straightforward. Carlos Queiroz only took charge two months ago following the departure of Otto Addo, whose second spell as Ghana manager came to an end after the nation’s disappointing failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Queiroz will make history of his own when he leads Ghana into the tournament, becoming just the second coach to manage at five consecutive World Cups. The experienced Portuguese tactician knows that a victory over Panama is likely to be essential, with anything less leaving Ghana facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.
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Ghana vs Panama team news
Ghana team news
Carlos Queiroz will be missing vice-captain Thomas Partey for Ghana’s opening game of the 2026 World Cup in Toronto as he was denied entry into Canada by the host nation’s government.
A couple of the Black Stars’ more established players have missed out on the tournament altogether. Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus were both unable to recover from injuries in time to travel with the squad.
Kwasi Sibo, Elisha Owusu and Augustine Boakye are fighting it out to start alongside talented youngster Caleb Yirenki in Partey’s absence. Owusu, with 20 caps to Siwu’s eight and Boakye’s zero.
Even without Kudus, it’s in the spots behind striker Jordan Ayew where Ghana possess serious quality. Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo will expect to start. However, Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ernest Nuamah are all quality options.
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Panama team news
The main story for Panama revolves around Adalberto Carrasquilla. The Pumas midfielder is a near ever-present in the Canaleros midfield but missed both of his team’s pre-tournament friendlies with a muscular injury.
Carlos Harvey looks like the most likely replacement in midfield should the 27 year old not recover in time, but he has been training in recent days and as one of the key players in this team he may be rushed back in even if not 100%.
Unsurprisingly, Panama have plumped for experience in this squad as they will look to frustrate their Group L opponents. No fewer than 16 members of their 26 man squad have racked up 50 caps already, with Fidel Escobar set to join the 100 club in this game.
Ghana vs Panama predicted lineups
Ghana (4-2-3-1): Ati-Zigi; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Owusu, Yirenkyi, Inaki Williams, Sulemana, Semenyo; Ayew
Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera, Cordoba, Escobar, Andrade; Murillo, Godoy, Harvey, Davis; Barcenas, Diaz, Fajardo
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