Ghana begin their World Cup campaign with a clash against Panama, who are making just their second appearance at the finals.
The Black Stars are taking part in their fifth World Cup and will be hoping to avoid a group stage exit for the third successive tournament.
For Panama, just getting a point in a group that contains England and Croatia alongside the African side would represent progress.
This meeting is the penultimate game of matchday one, and both sides will be eager to get going.
Ghana eyeing a positive start to Group L
Three points in this opening match will set up the Black Stars perfectly for far tougher matches ahead against England and then Croatia.
Missing out on the 2025 African Cup of Nations was a massive blow, yet qualification for the World Cup was sealed in comfortable fashion. Eight wins from ten games ensured Ghana would be playing at yet another World Cup, although preparations haven’t been great in the lead-up to the tournament.
A 1-1 draw with Wales in the final warm-up friendly indicated the African side has work to do. Indeed, they managed only 34% possession during the game, recording just four big chances.
Ghana have won just one of their opening four matches at the World Cup, and that came back in 2010 against Serbia.
Carlos Queiroz only took charge a few months ago, but sealing an opening win should give the team a huge lift ahead of the tie against England.
Panama will look to build on its 2018 showing
Qualifying for Russia eight years ago was a remarkable story for Panama, and they were “rewarded” with a group containing Belgium, England and Tunisia. Rather predictably, Panama lost all three group games, conceding 11 and scoring just two goals in the process.
Now, ambitions will be higher. A first point could certainly be won at the finals, despite being placed in another difficult group.
Days before the tournament kicked off, the Central American nation held Bosnia-Herzegovina, while they also beat fellow qualifiers South Africa a few months ago.
Furthermore, Thomas Christiansen’s men even netted twice against Brazil, showing that they have the attacking strength to cause problems for the very elite.
Defensively, however, Panama will need to improve, especially after conceding nine goals in just three warm-up games.
Despite that, the pressure is certainly off, and Christiansen has nothing to lose across all three group games.
Team news
Queiroz will be without the services of midfielder Thomas Partey after he was denied a visa by the Canadian government. Aside from that, the manager has a full-strength squad to select from ahead of the opener.
Adalberto Carrasquilla missed every single warm-up game for Panama, but he could still play a part in this first match after training with the squad. Christiansen will likely utilize his talents from the bench, however, and he should make a positive impact.
Prediction
This will not be an easy match for Ghana, especially considering how well Panama has adjusted since making their debut at the World Cup eight years ago.
Christiansen’s side finished runners-up at the Gold Cup (2023) and also in the 2025 Nations League, so they can pose plenty of problems for the Black Stars.
Ghana should have enough to seal three points, but it will be a lot closer than many anticipate.
