Ghana are set to kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign with a clash against minnows Panama. Here is everything you need to know about the match.
How to watch Ghana vs Panama at the World Cup 2026
Kick-off time
The World Cup 2026 group stage match between Ghana and Panama is scheduled to begin at exactly 12am UK time on Thursday. Fans staying up to catch the live action will need to set their alarms for midnight to see every minute of the opening kick-off.
Location
The showdown will be hosted across the Atlantic at Toronto Stadium, historically known to many fans as BMO Field, located in Toronto, Canada. This North American venue is set to provide an electric atmosphere for this vital Group L encounter.
UK television channel
Comprehensive television coverage in the United Kingdom will be broadcast live exclusively on ITV1. The network has confirmed that its pre-match studio programming and build-up will start precisely at 11pm on Wednesday night, giving viewers an hour of expert analysis before the action begins.
Live stream information
Viewers who prefer to watch the match online or on their mobile devices can access the official live stream completely free via the ITVX app and website. To watch on mobile apps, smart TVs, or web browsers, users simply need to log into their active ITVX account or sign up for a free profile ahead of the midnight start.
How to watch in the US
Fans across the United States can watch the live broadcast of the match on television networks Fox Sports and TUDN. For those preferring to stream the game digitally in the States, the action will be accessible on platforms like FuboTV, the Fox Sports app, or through ViX.
UK radio coverage
Football supporters who are on the move or prefer audio commentary can tune into live national radio coverage provided by BBC Radio 5 Live. Their team of commentators will bring every tactical twist and turn directly to listeners on the radio or digitally through the BBC Sounds application.
Team news
Ghana
The Black Stars suffered a massive midfield blow when veteran star Thomas Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada. Additionally, manager Carlos Queiroz faces a nervous wait over defender Jerome Opoku, who remains doubtful after picking up a knock during their recent warm-up match against Wales.
Panama
Head coach Thomas Christiansen has received a massive fitness boost as key midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla has successfully returned to full training after missing recent warm-up friendlies due to injury, meaning he is expected to start. The Central Americans have no major absentees or players ruled out, giving them a nearly completely healthy squad ahead of their second-ever World Cup appearance.
Head-to-head record
Historically, these two nations have never faced each other in a competitive senior international fixture, making this upcoming World Cup group stage curtain-raiser their first-ever meeting on the football pitch. This fixture adds immense pressure to the tie, as both sides desperately hunt for an early three points in a challenging group that also features England and Croatia.
