Ghana vs Panama: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

Jordan Ayew will likely be playing his last major tournament for Ghana

Ghana and Panama kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against each other in Group L, which also has England and Croatia. A loss in this game for either side could end their push for qualification to the round of 32 stage.

Here are the key battles to watch out for as Spain takes on Panama at the Toronto Stadium in Ontario, Canada.

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

5. Jordan Ayew vs. Jiovany Ramos

The Leicester City player had a below-average season as his club was relegated from the English Championship. However, Jordan Ayew remains one of the most experienced players in the Ghana squad and will lead his nation’s attack at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Jiovany Ramos will start as the centreback for the Panama national football team, and he will be tasked with keeping Jordan Ayew and company at bay throughout the game. Ramos also scored a goal against Bosnia, and that would do him a world of good.

4. Abdul Fatawu vs Edgardo Farina

Abdul Fatawu scored nine goals and provided seven assists in the English second division last season. The 22-year-old right winger has also been regularly partnering Jordan Ayew at the club level, and the chemistry they have would surely help Ghana at the World Cup.

Edgardo Farina, on the other hand, will be tasked with stopping Abdul Fatawu. The left-back currently plays in the Russian Premier League with Nizhny Novgorod. Farina is good at winning aerial duels, and his defensive contributions will be worth gold against Ghana.

3. Caleb Yirenkyi vs Victor Griffith

Caleb Yirenkyi has played at Nordsjælland in the last two seasons, and the central midfielder has also become a regular with the Black Stars. The 20-year-old is creative in midfield and delivers key passes. He can also drop in to defend if need be.

Victor Griffirh, on the other hand, will have a similar task to help Panama in the match. The 25-year-old currently plies his trade in the Ecuador League, and he will be eager to perform well in the World Cup to attract a move to bigger South American leagues.

2. Jerome Opoku vs Cecilio Waterman

Jerome Opoku has been the first-choice centre-back at Istanbul Başakşehir in the past three seasons. The left-footed defender is 6’5″ in height and will be a big threat in attack and also will be a major help to his side in defending corner kicks.

Cecilio Waterman will be leading the line for Panama, and the 34-year-old brings decent attacking experience. The striker has played his entire career in Central and South America, and he has scored 3 goals in 13 games for his club in 2026.

1. Kwasi Sibo vs Carlos Harvey

Kwasi Sibo will have the responsibility to keep Ghana’s midfield intact in the absence of Thomas Partey. The 27-year-old plays his club football with LaLiga’s Real Oviedo and he has played the majority of his career across various divisions in Spain.

Similarly, Minnesota United’s Carlos Harvey will be the one responsiblt to keep Panama’s midfield ticking. The 26-year-old also scored against Brazil in the 6-2 friendly loss earlier this month, and Harvey’s ample experience of playing in the USA will be very handy to his nation.

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