Ghana and Panama are all set to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign underway when they lock horns early Thursday morning in Toronto.
This will be the second game in Group L, after England and Croatia battle it out earlier. The pressure is on for both nations to get things off to a winning start if they are to make it past the tricky Group.
Ghana have not been the same side in recent years and come into the tournament ranked 73rd in the world, 29 places lower than their opposition in Panama.
The Black Stars best performance in the World Cup came back in 2010, when they lost to Uruguay in the quarterfinals. They face a Panama side who have never made it past the Group stage, making their debut on the continental stage in 2018.
Panama were one of two nations to avoid defeat in 2026 CONCACAF qualifying, winning seven games and drawing another three to book their place in the finals.
Ghana also finished top of their CAF qualifying group but have since failed to win any of their friendlies leading up to the game.
Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz will become just the third person to manage in five World Cups. He so eager to mark his return to the continental tournament with a winning start.
Here we have a look at both teams and offer our predicted outcome.
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What time does Ghana vs Panama start?
The game kicks off at 2AM E.A.T at the BMO Field
Ghana vs Panama team news
The biggest absentee for Ghana is Thomas Partey, whose visa troubles are keeping him out of the game. Caleb Yirenkyi is set to take his place in midfield for the opening game.
Veteran captain Jordan Ayew is fit and will lead his nation out once again. The Leicester City forward was responsible for seven of Ghana’s goals in qualifying and will play alongside Ernest Nuamah.
Manchester City attacker Antoine Semenyo will also start up front to lead the Ghanaian attack.
Panama will have to do without the services of talisman Adalberto Carrasquilla who is out with an injury.
Veteran Anibal Godoy is available at 36 years old and will start to mark his 156th international cap.
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Ghana vs Panama head-to-head and current form
It has been seven games since Ghana lost won, most recently being held to a 1-1 draw by Wales. Prior to the stalemate, the Black Stars were humiliated in five straight defeats.
Panama on the other hand, have only lost once in their last five matches, a 6-2 demolition by Brazil. Aside from that, they have won twice and drawn twice.
There has never been a match played between these two nations, this will be a historic first-ever meeting.
Current form:
Ghana – DLLLL
Panama – DWLWD
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Ghana vs Panama prediction
Having only lost to heavyweights Brazil and Mexico, Panama will feel they can challenge for all three points here against a Ghana side who are struggling for results.
Panama have only failed to score in one of their last 14 games and are tipped to bag one here as well.
Prediction – Over 1.5 goals – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!