Ghana vs Panama Preview

Group L concludes its opening matchday just before midnight on Wednesday at BMO Field in Toronto, as Ghana face Panama following the earlier England vs Croatia clash. With the group’s two heavyweights having already played, both sides here know that the result of this fixture carries enormous weight in defining early standings.

Ghana arrive at this fixture in deeply concerning form, having failed to win any of their last five matches and losing four of them. Their most recent outing ended in a 1–1 draw away in Wales — their best result in the run, but ultimately another occasion on which they failed to win. Prior to that, they lost 2–0 away in Mexico. Before that, they were beaten 2–1 away in Germany — a narrow defeat but a defeat nonetheless. Earlier in this run, they suffered a heavy 5–1 away loss to Austria, and the sequence began with a 1–0 defeat away in South Korea. No wins and four defeats across five matches is a troubling record heading into a World Cup, and the absence of Thomas Partey — denied entry to Canada — removes a major presence from their midfield. Ghana will need to find solutions quickly if they are to compete for a place in the knockout rounds.

Panama come into this fixture with a considerably more optimistic recent record. Their most recent outing ended in a 1–1 draw at home against Bosnia-Herzegovina — a competitive performance in their final pre-tournament preparation. Prior to that, they produced their best result in this run, winning 4–2 at home against the Dominican Republic. Before that, they were beaten 6–2 away in Brazil — a heavy defeat on the road but against arguably the tournament’s most dangerous attacking side. Earlier in this run, they won 2–1 away in South Africa, and the sequence began with a 1–1 draw away in South Africa. Two wins and two draws against one defeat — Panama are a well-organised, experienced side, with sixteen of their twenty-six-man squad having earned fifty or more caps, and they will not be a pushover for anyone in this group.

There is no previous meeting on record between these two nations, making this a fresh contest with no historical reference.

On paper this is an evenly matched fixture. Ghana’s recent record has been poor but their individual quality — Semenyo, Williams, Ayew and Jordan Ayew — is sufficient to trouble any defence. Panama’s tournament experience, defensive organisation and collective cohesion give them an edge in terms of preparation and mentality. A tight, competitive encounter is the most likely outcome, with Partey’s absence giving Panama an advantage in midfield.

In Ghana, the match is live on GTV, Metro TV, TV3 Ghana and GTV Sports+. In Panama, viewers can watch on RPCTV, N Panama and Telemetro. In the UK and Ireland, the game is available on ITV 1 and ITVX, with STV and STV Player also carrying the fixture in Scotland.

Lineups & Injuries

Ghana (4-2-3-1) Asare, Seidu, Oppong, Owusu, Adjetey, Fatawu, Yirenkyi, Mensah, Ayew, Semenyo, Williams

Ghana: Partey (Out)

Panama (3-4-3) Mosquera, Córdoba, Díaz, Davis, Godoy, Waterman, Carrasquilla, Andrade, Rodríguez, Murillo, Escobar

Panama: No missing players reported.

Thomas Partey’s absence is a significant blow for Ghana, removing their most experienced and influential midfielder from the equation. Elisha Owusu, who featured against Wales, could start in his place, but the drop in quality is considerable. Panama, with a fully fit and experienced squad, hold the fitness advantage heading into this fixture.

Group L

Pos	Team	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Croatia	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2	England	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3	Ghana	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	Panama	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Ghana Form

Result	Home Team	Score	Away Team	Competition	Date
🤝	Wales	1 – 1	Ghana	International Friendly	Jun 2, 2026
❌	Mexico	2 – 0	Ghana	International Friendly	May 23, 2026
❌	Germany	2 – 1	Ghana	International Friendly	Mar 30, 2026
❌	Austria	5 – 1	Ghana	International Friendly	Mar 27, 2026
❌	South Korea	1 – 0	Ghana	International Friendly	Nov 18, 2025

Panama Form

Result	Home Team	Score	Away Team	Competition	Date
🤝	Panama	1 – 1	Bosnia-Herzegovina	International Friendly	Jun 6, 2026
✅	Panama	4 – 2	Dominican Republic	International Friendly	Jun 4, 2026
❌	Brazil	6 – 2	Panama	International Friendly	May 31, 2026
✅	South Africa	1 – 2	Panama	International Friendly	Mar 31, 2026
🤝	South Africa	1 – 1	Panama	International Friendly	Mar 27, 2026

Head to Head

No previous meetings between these two sides.

TV Listings / Streaming

Country	Channel
Ghana	GTV, Metro TV, TV3 Ghana, GTV Sports+
Panama	RPCTV, N Panama, TVMax, Medcom GO, Telemetro
Great Britain	ITV 1, ITVX, STV, STV Player
Ireland	ITV 1, RTE 2, ITVX, RTE Player
USA	Fox Sports 1, fuboTV, Telemundo, FOX One
France	beIN Sports 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, myCANAL
Germany	SRF zwei, MagentaTV
Brazil	Disney+ Premium Brazil, CazéTV
Canada	TSN+, TSN1, CTV App
Japan	DAZN Japan