Lawrence Atizigi starts ahead of Benjamin Asare against Panama

The Black Stars have unveiled their starting line-up for tonight’s highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener against Panama at Toronto Stadium in Canada.

Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 GMT, as Ghana begin their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and seek to make a strong start to their campaign on football’s biggest stage.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has entrusted the captain’s armband to experienced forward Jordan Ayew, who will lead an attack packed with pace, creativity and attacking flair.

Ayew is joined in the frontline by Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Kamaldeen Sulemana, forming a dynamic quartet expected to test the Panamanian defence throughout the evening.

In midfield, Elisha Owusu partners promising youngster Caleb Yirenkyi, with the pair tasked with providing balance, composure and defensive solidity in the centre of the park.

Lawrence Ati-Zigi starts in goal behind a back four comprising Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah.

Ghana Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Lawrence Ati-Zigi

Defenders: Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah

Midfielders: Elisha Owusu, Caleb Yirenkyi

Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Jordan Ayew (captain), Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo

The selection underlines Queiroz’s intent to blend experience with youthful energy as Ghana aim to secure a positive result in their opening fixture.

The Black Stars will be eager to build on the nation’s proud World Cup history, having previously reached the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 — the furthest any Ghanaian side has progressed at the tournament.

With expectations high among supporters both at home and across the Ghanaian diaspora, a positive start against Panama could prove vital in shaping Ghana’s prospects of reaching the knockout stages.

All eyes will now be on Toronto as the four-time African champions embark on another World Cup journey.

About The Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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