Ghana vs Panama: Can Los Canaleros Upset the Black Stars in Group L?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Cydias Aujard
Ghana aiming to replicate 2010 World Cup heroics
Ghana return to the grandest stage in world football with one shared ambition: to conquer the world and cement their place among the tournament's elite. It's not the first time this football-loving nation has appeared in this tournament, having done so on numerous occasions.
This marks their fifth appearance and second successive qualification in the World Cup. Luck has not been on their side in the previous two editions; they've appeared at this tournament as they've failed to progress beyond the group stages.
Under the guidance of head coach Carlos Queiroz this time around, the Black Stars are aiming to replicate their best performance from the 2010 World Cup when they reached the quarter-finals to equal the deepest run ever made by an African nation.
Ghana, who have now qualified in five of their last six World Cup editions, had an impressive run in the qualifiers. Under former head coach Otto Addo, the team finished six points clear at the top in Group I of the World Cup African qualifiers.
Ghana have won just one of their last seven matches at the World Cup, while drawing two and losing four times.
That achievement was built on a strong balance between attack and defence, with the team recording eight wins, one draw, one loss, and scoring 23 goals while conceding six goals.
This was enough to ease the supporters' pain of not seeing their side qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations after finishing third in Group F with 3 points in the qualification campaign.
Ghana has a lot of star players within their camp, but Antoine Semenyo has to be the brightest of them all. He played an influential role for Manchester City in the 2025-26 season as he contributed to 21 goal involvements, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists.
For his national team, goals have been hard to come by, let alone assists. The 26-year-old has three goals to his name in 34 appearances. You will have to go back to November 2022 when he scored his last goal against Switzerland in an international friendly.
Los Canaleros are determined to end their winless World Cup run
Panama are no stranger to the World Cup stage, and once again they arrive ready to embrace the pressure. However, head coach Thomas Christiansen is making his debut at this tournament.
The 53-year-old might be experiencing the tournament for the first time as head coach, but has already achieved so much for the nation since his appointment in July 2020, including leading them to the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals, and their second-ever World Cup appearance.
Thomas Christiansen's record with Panama since July 2020:
- Matches played: 91
- Wins: 45
- Draws: 22
- Losses: 24
- Goals scored: 161
- Goals conceded: 117
- Win rate: 49.45%
While hopes are high in the Los Canaleros camp this time around, with the new generation seeking to go one step better than their previous group-stage exit in their maiden World Cup appearance at Russia 2018. It was a dismal campaign that saw them finish at the bottom of Group G, losing all three games and conceding an alarming 11 goals.
Los Canaleros have failed to win their last three matches in the World Cup and are seeking to halt that unfavourable run.
The Chances of success were slim as the group comprised heavyweights Belgium, England, and Tunisia. They find themselves in a similar situation in the current edition as they have to face the likes of England, Croatia, and Ghana.
A point against Ghana won't do much in keeping their qualification hopes alive, as they need maximum points. This is their first meeting against this opponent, but it is their second meeting with African opposition since their defeat to Tunisia in the 2018 World Cup, which was held in Russia. Will the South American get their campaign off to a positive start? Check out our Ghana vs Panama prediction for more insights into the game.
In the third round of the Concacaf qualifiers, Panama secured the top spot in Group A. They maintained an unbeaten run in six games, recording three wins and three draws, while scoring nine and conceding four.
Los Canaleros may not boast a superior squad, but there's one name that stands out in this tournament in this competition, and that's Besiktas full-back Amir Murillo, who impressed in the CONCACAF qualifiers. He had the most assists in the competition (3) and averaged 2.6 expected assists. There's a high possibility he could be key to the team's success in this tournament.
