Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has urged the Ghana national football team to treat all their opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with caution, singling out Panama national football team as a potentially tricky challenge despite their status as perceived underdogs.
Ghana, drawn in Group L alongside Panama, the England national football team and the Croatia national football team, will compete in the summer tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, Kingston emphasised that familiarity with some teams should not lead to complacency.
“We know our opponents very well, apart from Panama. I think we are very much aware of England. A lot of people are writing off Panama, but for me, that’s the most important opponent,” he said.
“We see England and Croatia over and over again, playing every week. But the Panama team are players that we are unaware of. They will be a thorn in our flesh. I know most people see them as the underdogs, but I think they will be the most difficult match,” Kingston added.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Preparations include a March training camp with friendlies against the Austria national football team and the Germany national football team, followed by a final warm-up match against the Mexico national football team in May. During the tournament, Ghana will be based at Bryant University in the United States.
After group-stage exits at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the team will be hoping to deliver a stronger and more competitive performance in North America.
