Ghana vs Panama Prediction: Black Stars Without Kudus and Partey
Preview, published 17 June 2026. Kick-off 7pm ET, BMO Field, Toronto.
Ghana vs Panama is the Group L opener that could shape both teams’ tournaments, and our prediction is a narrow Ghana win, 2-1, even with Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey missing from the Black Stars squad. In a group also containing England and Croatia, three points here is close to essential, which makes this arguably the most important match either side plays in the group.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Ghana vs Panama, World Cup 2026 Group L |
| Kick-off | 7pm ET, 17 June |
| Venue | BMO Field, Toronto |
| Watch (US) | Fox / FS1; Telemundo, stream on Peacock |
| Watch (UK) | BBC / ITV, free-to-air |
| Our prediction | Ghana 2-1 Panama |
What is at stake
With England and Croatia expected to fight over top spot, Ghana and Panama know this meeting could decide who chases qualification through the third-placed route. New Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has had only months to prepare, and he must do it without two key men: Mohammed Kudus is left out over fitness concerns following a quad injury, and Thomas Partey is unavailable. Panama, organised and dangerous in transition, will fancy their chances of a result.
Players to watch
Even without Kudus, Ghana carry a threat. Captain Jordan Ayew brings 34 international goals and composure in the final third, Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams offers pace in behind, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is in fine form. For Panama, Adalberto Carrasquilla is the creative fulcrum who will look to play between the lines, with Ismael Diaz and Jose Fajardo their most credible threats on the counter.
Our prediction
This one is closer than Ghana would like. The absences of Kudus and Partey blunt their midfield, and Panama are well drilled and awkward to play against. Still, Ghana’s attacking options should just about make the difference. We are calling it 2-1 to Ghana, but a draw would be no shock, and that would suit neither side in such a tough group.
What is next
Group L’s heavyweight opener, England against Croatia, is earlier the same day. Follow the table on our standings page, see the full slate in our June 17 preview, and the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide. A full report follows after full time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prediction for Ghana vs Panama?
Our prediction is a narrow 2-1 Ghana win, though a draw would not surprise. With England and Croatia in the group, this is close to a must-win for both sides.
Is Mohammed Kudus playing for Ghana?
No. Kudus was left out of Ghana’s World Cup 2026 squad over fitness concerns following a quad injury, and Thomas Partey is also unavailable, so Ghana lean on Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo.
When and where is Ghana vs Panama?
It kicks off at 7pm ET on 17 June 2026 at BMO Field in Toronto, live on Fox or FS1 in the US and free-to-air on the BBC or ITV in the UK.
Sources: ESPN preview.
