Ghana will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on June 15 against Panama at Toronto Stadium, starting their journey in Group L alongside England and Croatia [1, 2]. The match comes as Ghana faces notable setbacks, including the absence of star midfielder Thomas Partey, whose visa to enter Canada was refused [1, 2]. Adding to their difficulties, Ghana's talisman Mohammed Kudus will miss the tournament due to injury, leaving Antoine Semenyo to lead the attack for the Black Stars [1, 2].
Semenyo, who joined Manchester City in January, has scored 11 goals across all competitions this season, including the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea [1, 2]. Despite topping their World Cup qualifying group, Ghana currently sit 73rd in the FIFA rankings after poor recent performances and failure to qualify for last year’s Africa Cup of Nations [1, 2].
Carlos Queiroz, appointed Ghana coach in April 2023, said, "Everything is possible when you have such wonderful ammunition in your hands," as he aims to lead Ghana to the knockout stages for the first time since 2010 [1, 2].
Panama, appearing at their second World Cup, are eager for their first ever win at the tournament [1, 2]. Since appointing 53-year-old coach Thomas Christiansen in July 2020, Panama have risen from 81st to 34th in the FIFA rankings, reflecting significant progress [1, 2]. The team reached last year’s CONCACAF Nations League final, finishing runners-up to Mexico after beating the USA in the semi-finals. However, they suffered a major upset being eliminated by Honduras in the Gold Cup quarter-finals [1, 2].
Coach Christiansen will depend heavily on midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla and Ismael Diaz, who was the top scorer at the 2025 Gold Cup, to drive Panama’s attack [1, 2]. Both Ghana and Panama face tough challenges to advance from a group that includes strong contenders England and Croatia [1, 2].
The Group L opener at Toronto Stadium on June 15 will set the tone for both teams as they seek World Cup breakthroughs amid difficulties.