Ghana's Black Stars begin their fifth FIFA World Cup campaign on Wednesday night against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto, in the first ever senior international meeting between the two nations. Group L also includes England and Croatia. Coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed on Tuesday: 'We did everything possible to have our players ready for tomorrow. All games are a must-win. The only medicine that works in football is to win.'
Ghana's squad features captain Jordan Ayew alongside Antoine Semenyo, Gideon Mensah, and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, with emerging players including Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, and Kamal Deen Sulemana. The team arrived in Toronto on Monday after a 10-day training camp at Bryant University in Rhode Island and completed preparations with a friendly draw against Wales (1-1) on June 2.
Panama, co-hosts of the 2026 tournament, make their second World Cup appearance following their 2018 debut. Coach Thomas Christiansen's squad includes captain Aníbal Godoy, AC Marseille defender Michael Amir Murillo, and Houston Dynamo midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, with no reported injuries. Striker Ismael Díaz leads the attack alongside Murillo and Fidel Escobar in defence.
Queiroz stated: 'We know the size of the mountain that we have in front of us. 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.' Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm ET (11pm local time) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
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