Ghana will begin their World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday against Panama, who make their second-ever appearance at the summer tournament. Antoine Semenyo will feature in his second World Cup tournament as Ghana kick off their tournament on Thursday.
How to tune into Ghana's clash against Panama
Kick-off time
The World Cup 2026 group stage clash between Ghana and Panama is due to get underway at 12am UK time on Thursday. Those planning to stay up for the live action will need to be in front of their screens at midnight to catch every moment from the opening whistle.
Location
The contest will be staged across the Atlantic at Toronto Stadium, widely recognised by supporters as BMO Field, situated in Toronto, Canada. This North American venue is expected to generate a tremendous atmosphere for this crucial Group L encounter.
UK television channel
Full television coverage in the United Kingdom will be broadcast live and exclusively on ITV1. The network has confirmed that its pre-match studio programming and build-up will commence at 11pm on Wednesday night, affording viewers a full hour of expert analysis and discussion before proceedings kick off.
Live stream information
Those who would rather follow the match online or via their mobile devices can access the official live stream entirely free of charge through the ITVX app and website. To watch via mobile apps, smart TVs, or web browsers, users will simply need to log in to their existing ITVX account or register for a free profile ahead of the midnight kick-off.
How to watch in the US
Supporters across the United States can catch the live broadcast of the match on television networks Fox Sports and TUDN. Those who would rather stream the game digitally on American soil can do so via platforms such as FuboTV, the Fox Sports app, or through ViX.
UK radio coverage
Football fans who are on the go or simply prefer audio commentary can tune in to live national radio coverage provided by BBC Radio 5 Live. Their team of commentators will guide listeners through every tactical twist and turn, either via the radio or digitally through the BBC Sounds application.
Team news
Ghana
The Black Stars suffered a significant blow in midfield when experienced star Thomas Partey was refused a visa to enter Canada. Manager Carlos Queiroz also faces an anxious wait over defender Jerome Opoku, who remains doubtful after sustaining a knock during their recent warm-up fixture against Wales.
Panama
Head coach Thomas Christiansen has been handed a major fitness boost as key midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla has returned to full training following his absence from recent warm-up friendlies through injury, and is expected to feature from the start. The Central Americans have no notable absentees or players ruled out, leaving them with a near fully fit squad ahead of only their second-ever World Cup appearance.
Head-to-head record
Historically, these two nations have never met in a competitive senior international fixture, meaning this forthcoming World Cup group stage opener will represent their first-ever encounter on the football pitch. That adds considerable weight to the occasion, with both sides desperately seeking an early three points in a demanding group that also contains England and Croatia.
