Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has unveiled a strong starting lineup for their opening Group L match against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Carlos Queiroz placing his trust in a blend of experience and youthful energy as the Black Stars begin their quest for a place in the knockout stage.
Leading the attack is Kamaldeen Sulemana, who is expected to spearhead Ghana’s offensive efforts. He will be supported by captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah, forming an exciting attacking unit capable of troubling the Panamanian defence.
In midfield, Caleb Yirenkyi and Elisha Owusu have been handed the responsibility of controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Their partnership becomes even more crucial with Thomas Partey unavailable for the tournament opener.
The defensive line sees Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya operating from the flanks, while Jerome Opoku and Jonas Adjetey provide solidity in central defence. Between the posts, Lawrence Ati-Zigi starts as Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper and will be aiming to keep a clean sheet in the team’s first match of the tournament.
With England and Croatia also in Group L, victory against Panama could prove decisive in Ghana’s hopes of advancing to the next stage of the competition. Panama, meanwhile, arrive determined to secure their first-ever World Cup victory, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter.
Ghana Starting XI vs Panama
- Lawrence Ati-Zigi (Goalkeeper)
- Marvin Senaya
- Jonas Adjetey
- Jerome Opoku
- Gideon Mensah
- Caleb Yirenkyi
- Elisha Owusu
- Ernest Nuamah
- Jordan Ayew (Captain)
- Antoine Semenyo
- Kamaldeen Sulemana
