Preview: Ghana vs Panama prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

This will be the first-ever encounter between Ghana and Panama.

Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada, will host an enthralling encounter between Ghana and Panama in the second game of Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Both nations will be competing with England and Croatia to qualify for the knock-out phase of the competition. The Ghanaian national team appointed Carlos Queiroz just a few months ago, following the end of Otto Addo’s reign. He coached his first game against the Whales, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. Ghana’s playing style under Queiroz relies on disciplined defending and quick transitions.

Panama, on the other hand, enjoyed one of the best qualification campaigns in their history. They reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup after maintaining an unbeaten run throughout the qualification rounds. This will be their first World Cup since their first appearance in 2018. Panama’s last game ended in a 1-1 draw against  Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Kick-off:

Location: Toronto, Canada

Stadium: Toronto Stadium

Date: Wednesday, 17 June

Kick-off Time: 11:00 PM (GMT) I 07:00 PM (ET) | 04:30 AM (IST)

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Ghana (in all competitions): D-L-L-L-L

Panama (in all competitions): D-W-L-W-D

Players to watch out for:

Jordan Ayew (Ghana)

The Leicester City striker is the most reliable goal scorer for his national team. He is versatile and can play across the front line. He has scored 33 goals for Ghana throughout his career, and fans can expect him to step up with a great performance against Ghana as well.

Carlos Harvey (Panama)

Carlos Harvey is considered one of the best midfielders in Major League Soccer. His reading of the game is incredible and allows him to get into the right positions at the right time. He is also very versatile and can even drop deep to operate as a center back if required.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Match Facts:

• Ghana and Panama have never played each other in any competitive fixture.
• Ghana played a 1-1 draw against Wales in their last game.
• Panama played a 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina in their last game.

Ghana vs Panama: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Ghana to win – 1.35 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – Yes – 1.61 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.78 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Ghana Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang

Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Elisha Owusu, Derrick Luckassen.

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku

Forwards: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew

Panama Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Orlando Mosquera, Luis Mejia, Cesar Samudio

Defenders: Cesar Blackman, Jorge Gutierrez, Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andres Andrade, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Eric Davis, Jiovany Ramos, Roderick Miller

Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Carlos Harvey, Cristian Martínez, José Luis Rodríguez, César Yanis, Yoel Barcenas, Alberto Quintero, Azarias Londoño

Forwards: Ismael Diaz, Cecilio Waterman, Jose Fajardo, Tomas Rodriguez

Head-to-Head:

Ghana and Panama have never played each other in any competitive fixture.

Predicted Lineups:

Ghana (3-4-3)

Zigi (GK); Opoku, Adjetey, Mensah; Owusu, Fatawu, Partey, Senaya; Sulemana, Ayew, Adu

Panama (4-4-2)

Mosquera (GK); Blackman, Ramos, Farina, Andrade; Murillo, Harvey, Martinez, Rodriguez; Barcenas, Waterman

Match Prediction:

The encounter between Ghana and Panama is expected to be a rather interesting one. Both teams have talented players among their ranks, and despite neither being considered European giants, fans can expect an interesting encounter.

Prediction: Ghana 2-1 Panama

Telecast details:

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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