Black Stars kick off 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama tonight
Queiroz’s men face a depleted squad but target a winning start in Toronto
Toronto, Canada – June 17, 2026
Ghana’s Black Stars open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign tonight against Panama at BMO Field, with coach Carlos Queiroz insisting the team is targeting victory despite key absentees.
The Group L opener kicks off at 11:00 pm GMT and marks the first-ever senior meeting between the two nations on football’s biggest stage. Ghana will then face England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Partey, Kudus miss opener
Ghana have been hit by major blows ahead of kickoff. Midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada after a Canadian court dismissed his visa appeal on Tuesday, ruling him out of the Panama clash. Villarreal CF’s midfielder missed the squad’s flight to Toronto due to pending court proceedings.
Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus is also absent after failing to recover from a January quad injury, while defender Mohammed Salisu misses the tournament through injury. The injuries strip Ghana of experience in midfield and defensive stability.
Despite the setbacks, Queiroz says expectations remain high. “We expect to go out, play the best football, and win every single game. We carry the hopes and dreams of millions of people on our shoulders,” the Portuguese tactician said at the team’s Rhode Island base.
Captain Jordan Ayew, making his third World Cup appearance, echoed the sentiment: “We have three massive games for us, and we want to make Ghana proud. With your prayers and support, hopefully we’ll be successful.”
Semenyo to lead attack
With Kudus out, Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo is expected to shoulder Ghana’s goal threat. The 26-year-old scored 11 goals across all competitions last season, including the winner against Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
He is likely to start alongside Inaki Williams and captain Ayew in a front three, with Elisha Owusu and Kwasi Sibo forming the midfield pivot in Partey’s absence. In defense, Jonas Adjetey and Jerome Opoku are set to anchor a back three, with Caleb Yirenkyi and Gideon Mensah providing width.
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi’s experience is expected to be key for a defense featuring several World Cup debutants.
Panama eye first World Cup win
Panama, ranked 34th in the world, arrive in Toronto under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen. The Central Americans have climbed 47 places in FIFA rankings since 2020 and play a disciplined 5-4-1 shape without the ball.
Star midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla missed warm-up matches with a muscle issue but trained on Sunday and could feature. Veteran Anibal Godoy, with 156 caps, provides experience.
Panama are yet to win a World Cup match after their 2018 debut, but Christiansen’s side has become one of CONCACAF’s most organized teams.
Royal support in Toronto
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is in Toronto as Special Guest of Honour for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Business Summit and will watch the game live. Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is also in Canada to support the team.
Ghana, four-time AFCON champions, will be looking to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals.
The match will be broadcast live on GTV, Sporty TV, Channel One TV and SuperSport.
About The Author
