2026 World Cup: Panama clash will not be an easy task for Black Stars, says ex-midfielder Ahmed Barusso

Former Black Stars midfielder Ahmed Barusso has warned Ghana not to underestimate Panama ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the fixture as a decisive step in their bid to progress from the group stage.

Ghana begin their campaign on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, where they face Panama in what will be their first Group L encounter. The Black Stars have also been drawn alongside England and Croatia in a demanding pool.

Barusso, who featured for Ghana at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and previously played for AS Roma, stressed that securing maximum points in the opener could prove vital to the team’s qualification hopes.

“It won’t be an easy task…It’s not an easy task. We should try and take our chances and deliver as early as possible because it’s the first game, and I think we should get the three points,” he told Citi Sports.

He added that anything short of victory could complicate Ghana’s path to the knockout stage.

“It’s a must; if we don’t get the three points, then we should see that our chances of qualifying will be very difficult," Barusso added.

After the Panama clash, Ghana will meet England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium before concluding their group fixtures against Croatia on June 27.