2026 World Cup: Panama game crucial for Black Stars – Asamoah Gyan

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan believes the Black Stars’ opening fixture against Panama could determine the country’s chances of progressing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana, four-time African champions, have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside Panama, Croatia and England for the tournament.

Speaking on Channel One TV, Gyan stressed that the Black Stars must treat the opening encounter as a must-win game despite the presence of heavyweight opponents in the group.

“This is the most important game we have in the group,” he said.

“Although we have the likes of England and others in the group, our first game against Panama is the most critical game.”

The former striker warned against underestimating the Central American side, insisting that qualification for the World Cup alone proves Panama’s quality.

“Statistically, we are ahead of them, and we don’t know what they are going to bring to the table,” Gyan noted.

“But the last time I saw them play, I told myself that we have to watch out for them.”

Gyan described Group L as one of the more difficult groups in the competition and noted that a positive start could provide Ghana with the momentum needed for the remaining matches.

“Our group is a very tricky group, but when we are able to overcome Panama, anything can happen in the other games,” he said.

The former Sunderland forward also urged the Black Stars to focus on taking maximum points from the opening fixture rather than looking too far ahead in the competition.

“Everybody will be expecting us to beat Panama, but any team that qualifies for the World Cup means that the team did something right,” he stated.

“But against Panama, we have to make sure that we get the three points. We shouldn’t settle for anything less. We should go for that win.”

Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

As part of preparations for the tournament, the Black Stars are scheduled to play Mexico on May 22 before concluding their warm-up matches against Wales on June 2 ahead of the global showpiece.