Ghana vs Panama — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Group L's other opener pits Ghana, drawn alongside England, against a battle-hardened Panama in a fixture both sides will see as a must-win for second place. Otto Addo's Black Stars carry Premier League quality in Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey; Thomas Christiansen's Panama are organised, physical and seasoned from CONCACAF's grind.
Ghana will look to dominate the ball and get Kudus on it in dangerous areas, with Partey controlling the midfield; Panama will be compact, aggressive in the duels and dangerous from set pieces and quick breaks.
Expect Ghana to carry the greater individual threat and Panama to make it a physical, stop-start contest. In a group where England are favourites, this profiles as the real fight for the runners-up berth — and a tight, tense battle to match.
Key storylines
- 01The scrap for second: with England fancied, this looks decisive for the runners-up spot.
- 02Mohammed Kudus is Ghana's standout attacking talent.
- 03Thomas Partey anchors and dictates from midfield.
- 04Panama's physical, organised CONCACAF resilience.
- 05Set pieces could swing a tight contest either way.
Prediction
Ghana's individual quality to just edge it. Friendly call: Ghana 1-1 Panama in a tense, even contest.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Ghana
Formation 4-3-3- 1Lawrence Ati-Zigi (GK)
- 2Alidu Seidu
- 3Mohammed Salisu
- 4Abdul Mumin
- 5Gideon Mensah
- 6Thomas Partey
- 7Elisha Owusu
- 8Mohammed Kudus
- 9Antoine Semenyo
- 10Inaki Williams
- 11Kamaldeen Sulemana
Panama
Formation 4-4-2- 1Orlando Mosquera (GK)
- 2Cesar Blackman
- 3Fidel Escobar
- 4Andres Andrade
- 5Eric Davis
- 6Anibal Godoy
- 7Adalberto Carrasquilla
- 8Cristian Martinez
- 9Ismael Diaz
- 10Jose Fajardo
- 11Tomas Rodriguez
Team news
Ghana
- Mohammed Kudus is Ghana's chief creative and goal threat.
- Thomas Partey provides quality and control in midfield.
- Brothers Inaki and the wider attack give Ghana real pace.
Panama
- Panama are organised, physical and experienced in tournament football.
- Adalberto Carrasquilla is a key midfield presence.
- They are dangerous from set pieces and quick transitions.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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