Former Ghana coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has warned the Black Stars not to underestimate the challenge Panama will present in their opening fixture at the 2026 World Cup tournament.
The global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, with Ghana securing one of Africa’s nine automatic slots.
The West African powerhouse has been paired in Group L against Panama, one-time champions England and 2018 finalists, Croatia at the mundial.
According to Akonnor, the Black Stars opening match against Panama will be pivotal to their chances of making impact at the tournament.
“Our first match is very important. We have to beat Panama; it’s a must-win. We must not underrate them,” he warned.
“We will respect England and Croatia, but there is no way we should underrate Panama. If we win that match and get three points, it will be key to our success.”
Ghana will open their World Cup account against Panama before taking on England and Croatia respectively.
It will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals
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