Former Ghana coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has urged the Black Stars to approach their 2026 World Cup opener against Panama with caution, stressing the importance of a strong start in the tournament.
The four-time African champions will face Panama on June 17 in their Group L opener, a fixture Akonnor described as critical to Ghana’s chances of progressing.
“Our first match is very important. We have to beat Panama; it’s a must-win. We must not underrate them,” he told Graphic Sports.
“We will respect England and Croatia, but there is no way we should underrate Panama. If we win that match and get three points, it will be key to our success,” the Gor Mahia coach added.
The Black Stars will complete their group-stage fixtures against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
As part of their preparations, Ghana will play two high-profile friendlies against Austria in Vienna on March 27 and Germany in Stuttgart on March 30.
After consecutive group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups in Brazil and Qatar, the Black Stars are determined to make a stronger impact as the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
