Swedish official Glenn Nyberg will take charge of Ghana's opening Group L fixture against Panama at the 2026 World Cup, the 23rd match of the tournament.

The game takes place at Toronto Stadium in Canada, kicking off at 12:00AM UK time and broadcast live on ITV for British audiences.

Nyberg's credentials

Nyberg has held FIFA-listed status since 2016 and brings considerable experience to the role, having officiated three UEFA European Championship matches and 23 games in the UEFA Champions League.

Among his most notable recent assignments, Nyberg refereed a gripping 3-3 draw between Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League play-offs in February, as well as Aston Villa's commanding 4-0 second-leg win over Nottingham Forest in early May.

He averages nearly 3.5 bookings per game and produces a red card in just over one in 10 matches he officiates.

That Ronaldo red card

Perhaps his most talked-about decision came when he sent off Cristiano Ronaldo for violent conduct during Ireland's 2-0 victory over Portugal in World Cup qualifying — a match in which Troy Parrott scored twice. Portugal have endured a difficult start to the tournament.

The officiating team

Nyberg will be supported by assistant referees Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Soderkvist, both Swedish. VAR duties fall to Saudi Arabian officials Khalid Alturais and Mohammed Alabakry.

Ghana's rocky run of form

Ghana head into the contest in alarming shape, having lost six of their last seven matches — the sole exception a draw against Wales. Panama arrive in considerably better form, recording two wins and three draws from their most recent seven outings.