Ghana assistant coach Desmond Ofei has reaffirmed the Black Stars’ determination to make a positive start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey when they face Panama in their Group L opener.
The four-time African champions head into the tournament with ambitions of advancing beyond the group stage and ending a long wait for a place in the knockout rounds, having last achieved the feat at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Drawn alongside England, Croatia and Panama, Ghana know that a strong opening result could prove crucial to their qualification hopes.
While there have been concerns over the team’s recent performances and the unavailability of some influential players, Ofei remains optimistic about the squad’s readiness for the challenge ahead.
“We are going to do everything possible to win against Panama,” he told Asempa FM.
🏟️ The stage is set. The moment is here.⏳
🇬🇭 @GhanaBlackstars World Cup journey begins at the BMO Field in Toronto on June 17 against Panama. 🔥🏆#BlackStars | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kGDoHpUxi5
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) June 16, 2026
The Black Stars have already settled in Toronto, where they will finalize preparations with an official training session before Wednesday’s encounter at BMO Field. The fixture marks the beginning of a demanding group-stage schedule that will also see Ghana face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their first-round campaign against Croatia on June 27.
With expectations high among supporters, Ofei believes the players are fully focused on delivering a performance capable of earning all three points and setting the tone for the matches that follow.
