Ghana and Panama meet at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday in what promises to be a compelling Group L contest at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00am BST / 7:00pm ET, with both nations eyeing a crucial opening victory.

The underdog equation

Despite Ghana's reputation as one of Africa's most storied World Cup nations — the Black Stars are appearing at their fifth tournament in six — Panama sit 39 places higher in the FIFA World Rankings. Both sides are considered underdogs in Group L alongside England and Croatia, making this match effectively a must-win contest for whoever wants to seriously chase a place in the round of 32.

Ghana's turbulent build-up

The Black Stars' road to Toronto has been far from smooth. Manager Otto Addo was dismissed 72 days before the tournament's opening match, capping a miserable run that included missing the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in two decades and a six-game winless streak.

Carlos Queiroz, the experienced Portuguese coach who previously managed Portugal and Iran, has stepped in as replacement. Notably, this is Queiroz's fifth consecutive World Cup as a national team manager — a record. He will look to Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo to provide creativity and threat going forward.

Jordan Ayew, the former Crystal Palace centre-forward, is expected to start and, if he does, he will surpass brother Andre's record for Ghana caps, becoming the country's most-capped player outright.

Panama's disciplined challenge

Panama return to the World Cup for just the second time since a bruising 2018 campaign in which they suffered three defeats and conceded 11 goals. Under Thomas Christiansen — the Danish former Bundesliga and La Liga player who has led Los Canaleros since 2020 — Panama have developed into a compact, physical side difficult to break down. Christiansen, whose club managerial career included spells in Cyprus, a stint at Leeds United, and time at Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, has instilled discipline and set-piece threat as the team's defining characteristics.

How to watch

Ghana vs Panama is available to stream free of charge in several territories. UK viewers can watch on ITV (ITVX), while Australian fans can tune in via SBS On Demand. In the US, the match is broadcast on FS1, accessible through Fox One, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling, Fubo, or DirecTV. Irish viewers can stream via RTÉ Player.

FourFourTwo predicts Ghana will edge the contest 2-0, suggesting the Black Stars can outperform their current FIFA ranking position when it matters most.