Ghana Must Not Underestimate Opponent Panama as FIFA World Cup Campaign Begins

The Dangerous Myth That Panama Is Ghana’s Easiest Opponent

The Dangerous Myth That Panama Is Ghana’s Easiest Opponent While it is true that Ghana may view Panama as a potential source of points in their World Cup group, it is crucial to approach this match with caution and respect. Underestimating any opponent can lead to unforeseen consequences, especially in a high-stakes tournament like the FIFA World Cup. Ghana must focus on executing their game plan effectively to avoid any pitfalls that could arise from complacency against the CONCACAF side.

However, that perception could be a serious mistake 

While Panama may not possess the global star power of England or Croatia, they arrive at the tournament as one of the most tactically organized and consistent teams in international football. Panama under head coach Thomas Christiansen have evolved into a disciplined outfit that can cause big problems to any opponent. 

Ghana’s Preparation Has Been Far From Ideal

Ghana’s build-up to the World Cup has been anything but smooth. The dismissal of Otto Addo and the appointment of Carlos Queiroz just two months before the tournament have left the Portuguese coach with very limited time to implement his ideas and establish his preferred system. 

So far, Queiroz has overseen only one match, a 1-1 draw against Wales in June. As a result, many questions remain unanswered heading into Ghana’s opening fixture. 

The lack of preparation time could become a major factor against a well-drilled Panama side that has been working under a clear tactical identity for several years. 

Panama’s Possession-Based Style Makes Them Dangerous

One of Panama’s biggest strengths is their ability to dominate possession. 

During World Cup qualifying, they averaged 61.9% possession, the highest in all of CONCACAF. That control only increased during the 2025 Gold Cup, when they averaged a whopping 66.3% possession. 

Christiansen’s side generally play in a fluid 3-4-3 which can easily change into a compact 5-4-1 when defending. The idea is to control the game with short passing combinations before finding quick vertical passes to wide players to exploit spaces. 

The wing-backs Amir Murillo and Jorge Gutiérrez are especially dangerous in these situations. Their speed, movement and ability to attack spaces behind defensive lines mean they are an integral part of the offensive structure of Panama.

To counter this threat, Ghana may need energetic and mobile midfielders capable of covering large areas of the pitch and matching Panama’s intensity. 

A Key Selection Dilemma for Carlos Queiroz

One of Queiroz’s biggest decisions concerns experienced midfielder Thomas Partey. 

Although Partey remains one of Ghana’s most talented players, his recent performances against Austria, Germany, and Wales have raised concerns about his current physical condition. Against Wales, he struggled to influence the game and was substituted at halftime after a difficult first-half display. 

A lack of regular club football appears to have affected his sharpness, mobility, and match fitness—qualities Ghana will desperately need against a possession-heavy Panama side. 

Meanwhile, Caleb Yirenkyi has shown encouraging signs whenever given opportunities. His athleticism, composure and ability to win the ball back can add more balance to midfield. While he may not offer Partey’s experience, his profile may be better suited to the specific demands of this encounter. 

Panama’s Aggressive Pressing Could Cause Problems

Possession is only one aspect of Panama’s game. 

The Central American side is also one of the most aggressive pressing teams in the region. During qualification, they recorded a Passes Per Defensive Action (PPDA) of just 9.4—the lowest among CONCACAF nations. 

In simple terms, Panama gives opponents very little time on the ball. 

That 82 high turnovers in qualifying demonstrates their ability to win the ball back in advanced areas. That should be a concern for Ghana, whose recent performances against Japan, Austria and Germany have shown a susceptibility to struggle when attempting to play through well-organized high pressure systems. 

So Queiroz may have to prioritise technical security over reputation when selecting his starting line-up. 

Goalkeeping and Defensive Decisions Could Be Crucial 

Lawrence Ati-Zigi appears better suited to the demands of this match than Benjamin Asare.

While Asare played an important role during Ghana’s qualification campaign, questions remain about his distribution under pressure. His expensive mistake against Mexico, which was directly responsible for a goal, illustrated the perils of playing out from the back against aggressive sides. 

Ati-Zigi’s supreme ability to play the ball could be a big plus against Panama’s intense pressing game. 

Similarly, Kojo Oppong Peprah may have a strong case for partnering Jerome Opoku in central defense. His composure in possession and ability to advance the ball under pressure make him a potentially better fit for this particular matchup than alternatives such as Derrick Luckassen or Jonas Adjetey. 

Panama Arrives in Excellent Form

Panama enters the World Cup ranked 34th in the world and has lost only twice this year—against Brazil and regional powerhouse Mexico. 

They are organized, tactically disciplined, physically strong, and confident. 

Ghana, on the other hand, has won only one of its last four World Cup opening matches, a 1-0 victory over Serbia in 2010. 

If the Black Stars hope to improve that record, they may need to rethink the widespread belief that Panama represents the easiest fixture in the group. Based on current evidence, Christiansen’s side could prove every bit as challenging as Ghana’s more famous opponents. 

The opening match may ultimately define Ghana’s entire World Cup campaign, and getting the tactical details right could make the difference between progression and an early exit. 

GFA Rules Out Final Friendly Before World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that the Black Stars will not play another international friendly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Following the team’s draw against Wales on June 2, Ghana’s coaching staff had hoped to arrange one final match to further evaluate the squad before the tournament.

The GFA explored the possibility of behind-closed-doors friendlies against Jamaica and Honduras. However, according to the association, neither country provided a timely response. 

Speaking to JoySports, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum explained: 

“Once we request such a friendly, the entire financial responsibility falls on us. We managed to secure a venue, but the potential opponents did not provide positive feedback.” 

He added that there are currently no active plans for another friendly and that the coaching staff now prefers to focus entirely on training preparations. 

“At the moment, nothing is on the table. It appears unlikely. The coach wants us to concentrate on training,” he said. 

Focus Shifts to Panama Clash

With no additional friendly matches scheduled, Ghana’s full attention now turns to its World Cup opener against Panama on June 18. 

The result of that match could shape the remainder of Ghana’s tournament, with difficult group-stage encounters against England and Croatia still to come. As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the Black Stars face a clear challenge: avoid underestimating Panama, refine tactical preparations, and ensure they are ready for one of the most important opening matches in recent Ghanaian football history.