Former Ghana Football Association Vice President, George Afriyie, has expressed optimism about the prospects of the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasising the importance of securing a strong start against Panama national football team.
Ghana will open their Group L campaign against the Central American side in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. Afriyie believes a victory in the opening match could set the tone for competitive performances against England national football team and Croatia national football team.
“First of all, we need to win against Panama to position ourselves to either win or pick a point against England or beat Croatia or pick a point,” he told Graphic Sports.
“Whichever way, it can propel us if we are to make a mark and go beyond the group stage.
“I expect us to beat Panama. The first match is very important and, among our group opponents, trust me, our best bet is against Panama.
“We all know England and Croatia are ahead of us in terms of FIFA rankings, but national team football is quite tricky,” he added.
The Black Stars’ schedule begins with Panama on June 17, followed by England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Ahead of the tournament, Ghana will regroup in March for friendly matches against Austria national football team and Germany national football team, face Mexico national football team in May, and conclude preparations with a match against Wales national football team on June 2.
During the World Cup, Ghana will be based at Bryant University as they aim to improve on their group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 editions of the tournament.
