Ghana head coach Otto Addo says securing a strong opening result against Panama will be crucial to the Black Stars’ chances of progressing from Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars begin their campaign on 17 June in Toronto, where they face a Panama side making only their second-ever World Cup appearance after debuting in 2018. The Central Americans are currently ranked 30th in the FIFA rankings.
Addo believes a positive start will set the tone for the rest of the group matches.
“I'm hoping that we have a good start against Panama, that will be very, very crucial,” he told Ghanafa.org. “It will make the other games a little more relaxed and easier for the players psychologically. We will use the March window for test matches and then see.”
Ghana will later take on England and Croatia, who are two of the tournament’s most seasoned European contenders. England reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, while Croatia advanced to the semi finals in Qatar.
The Black Stars have failed to progress from the group stage in their last two World Cup appearances, and Addo is determined to steer his side back into the knockout rounds.
By: Pascal Amoah
