Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen has confirmed that star midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla will start on the bench for tonightâ??s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L clash against Ghana at the Toronto Stadium.The influential midfielder has been restricted to isolated training sessions since the national team landed in Canada due to an ongoing muscle injury.The 27-year-old playmaker sustained a groin injury during Pumas UNAMâ??s recent Liga MX final defeat against Cruz

Former Ghana international Dan Quaye has cautioned that the Black Stars will face a tough challenge when they begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama.Ghana, set for their fifth appearance at the global showpiece, will open their Group L campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in what is widely expected to be a decisive opening fixture.Following that encounter, the Black Stars will face European giants England and 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia in a

Former Black Stars midfielder Laryea Kingston believes Caleb Yirenkyi is the ideal replacement for Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana's opening game against Panama at the World Cup. Partey will miss the game against Panama after he was denied an entry visa to Canada over allegations of rape and sexual assault.Although the former Arsenal player admits not guilty, it was not enough to secure him the visa to travel to Canada.This leaves coach Carlos Queiroz with other options in

Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo insists the Black Stars are poised to win their first game at the World Cup for Thomas Partey. Partey will miss Ghana's opening game against Panama after losing his appeal following his visa entry denial by Canada's immigration.The Vilarreal man could not travel with the Black Stars to Toronto, but Sibo who was expected to partner him in midfield at the tournament, believes the team is united for the beleaguered former Arsenal man."Our

Majeed Ashimeru has taken his 2026 World Cup omission in good faith after speaking for the first time since the announcement of the squad. The RAAL La Louviere loanee could not make Ghana's final squad for the tournament despite his impressive display during the friendly against Mexico.Ashimeru's absence raised questions with many criticising the football administration and the new coach for not inviting the versatile midfielder.Despite the disappointment, Ashimeru

Argentina began the defence of their FIFA World Cup title in emphatic fashion on Wednesday morning, defeating Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium thanks to a masterclass from captain Lionel Messi.The Argentine superstar produced a stunning hat-trick to guide his side to victory and write another chapter in World Cup history.Messi's three goals saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, matching the all-time scoring record in the tournament's

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed full confidence in his squad ahead of Ghanaâ??s opening Group L match against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Ghana begin their campaign at the BMO Field with kick-off set for 23:00 GMT, as they target a return to the knockout stages for the first time since 2010.Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Queiroz underlined the unpredictable nature of football while stressing that results are ultimately determined

Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has called on Antoine Semenyo to play a decisive role in guiding the Black Stars through Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Ghana have been drawn alongside Croatia, England and Panama in a demanding group, with expectations rising on the Bournemouth forward following the injury setback to Mohammed Kudus and concerns over captain Jordan Ayewâ??s recent form.Badu, who earned 78 caps for the Black Stars, believes Semenyoâ??s blend

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised his squadâ??s adaptability and commitment to team cohesion as the Black Stars prepare to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on Wednesday night.The five-time African champions, competing at their fifth World Cup, begin their Group L journey at BMO Field, with kick-off set for 23:00 GMT against the Central American side.Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, the 73-year-old highlighted the positive response

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is on the verge of making history when the Black Stars take on Panama in their opening Group L encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.The experienced forward is expected to become the oldest player ever to represent Ghana at a FIFA World Cup, surpassing the previous record held by Denis Odoi.Ayew will be aged 34 years and 279 days at kickoff, eclipsing Odoi's mark of 34 years and 185 days, which was set during Ghana's clash with South

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has stressed that they will showcase their quality and strength when they take on Panama in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. The Black Stars will open their campaign against the Central American side at the BMO Field in Toronto later tonight.Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Queiroz spoke highly of his opponents, describing Panama as a very organised and experienced team.However, the 73-year-old said Ghana have a lot of tools in their

Ghana forward Inaki Williams has made it clear that the opening fixture against Panama will be pivotal to the Black Stars' hopes of making an impact at the 2026 World Cup.Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Group L clash at BMO Field in Toronto, the Athletic Bilbao striker acknowledged the weight of expectation but insisted the team is ready to rise to the challenge."Our first game is important because it is what will give us confidence," Williams said."We need

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup has surpassed the one-million spectator mark inside stadiums, hailing the achievement as another sign of the tournamentâ??s growing global appeal.Infantino shared the milestone on social media, posing alongside the competitionâ??s one-millionth fan, Aaron Bren, while holding a commemorative board marking the occasion.The FIFA chief described the achievement as a reflection of the passion and enthusiasm

As Ghana prepare to launch their 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama, forward Inaki Williams has issued a rallying cry to his teammates, urging them to embrace the pressure and seize the opportunity to create history.Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Group L opener at BMO Field in Toronto, the Athletic Bilbao striker acknowledged the weight of expectation that comes with wearing the Black Stars jersey but insisted the squad is ready to rise to the challenge."We need to

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has stressed that his team will go into their World Cup 2026 opening match against Panama determined to bag all three points. Speaking in a pre-match interview ahead of the Group L meeting, the veteran Portuguese tactician noted that the game is a must-win for his side.â??It's a must-win game [against Panama. I don't remember in my life any game I played that wasn't a must-win. Our value is based on results, and the only medicine

Panama captain Anibal Godoy has expressed his determination ahead of his country's opening Group L encounter against Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting he is ready to give his all for the national team.The experienced midfielder is expected to play a key role as Panama begins their campaign against the Black Stars on Wednesday, June 17, in a match that could prove crucial to both teams' hopes of progressing from the group.Speaking before the highly anticipated

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has issued a passionate rallying cry to Ghana fans, urging them to create an intimidating atmosphere for their must-win Group L match against Panama.Acknowledging the difficult task ahead, Queiroz did not sugarcoat the pressure facing his team. He made it clear that the squad understands the high stakes of the upcoming game."We know where we are; we know the size of the mountain that we have in front of us that we have to climb," Queiroz

Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen has admitted his side will face a tough challenge when they take on Ghana in their opening Group L fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, June 17.The Central American nation enters the tournament full of confidence after significant progress under the Danish manager. Despite having a strong team, Christiansen believes his team must be prepared for a difficult battle against the Black Stars."We have seen the matches here at the

Panama captain Aníbal Godoy says the squad is determined to make history when they face Ghana in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.The experienced midfielder spoke with confidence during Panama's official pre-match press conference in Toronto, insisting the team is ready to translate its encouraging preparations into a strong performance against the Black Stars.Godoy pointed to Panama's recent friendly draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina as

Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen has expressed confidence in his team's chances against Ghana while acknowledging the challenge that awaits them in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Central Americans arrived in Toronto on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Group L clash at Toronto Stadium after completing their final training session at their Nottawasaga base camp.Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, Christiansen praised the Black Stars'