Otto Addo eyes start for Ghana vs Panama in 2026 World Cup

Ghana’s Black Stars open Group L of the 2026 World Cup against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, with coach Otto Addo insisting a win will provide a vital psychological boost. The match marks Ghana’s first World Cup appearance since their 2022 exit.

Panama sit 30th in the FIFA Men’s Ranking and are making only their second appearance at a World Cup, after debuting in 2018. The Central American side will look to repeat their 2018 upset over Nigeria.

“I’m hoping that we have a good start against Panama, that will be very very crucial,” Addo said in a post‑match interview. He added that a positive result would ease the pressure for the remaining group games.

Ghana will also face England – the 2018 finalists – and Croatia, who reached the semi‑finals in Qatar 2022, in a daunting group. The Black Stars have exited at the group stage in each of their last two World Cup outings.

Addo revealed that the team will use the March international window for test matches to fine‑tune tactics ahead of the June tournament. He promises a focused preparation to ensure the Black Stars can compete with the group’s heavyweights.

All eyes will be on the Toronto kickoff, where a win could lift morale and set the tone for a World Cup campaign that Ghana hopes will finally go beyond the opening round.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE