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Victory in Toronto: Black Stars Start 2026 World Cup Quest With Royal Backing and 1-0 Win |
The Black Stars began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note Wednesday, edging Panama 1-0 at BMO Field in Toronto to take early control of Group L.
The decisive goal arrived in the second half of a tense opener, giving head coach Carlos Queiroz’s side three crucial points before matchups with England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Camp Notes: Big Names, Big Vibes
Ghana’s camp in North America has been buzzing. Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang visited the team hotel on June 16, telling players that "Ghanaians from every region are rallying behind the Ghana Black Stars". She delivered President John Mahama’s backing ahead of kickoff.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also arrived in Toronto to meet the squad and attend the opener. The royal visit coincided with a wave of cultural events, including the launch of Sankofa Square.
Morale got another lift when legend Asamoah Gyan joined the camp in Toronto to ‘fire up’ the group before the Panama game. Artist Black Sherif had earlier visited the U.S. base in Providence, performing for players in a hotel hallway.
Team News
Thomas Partey missed the Panama match due to an ongoing visa issue with Canadian authorities. The Sports Ministry confirmed diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve it before the England clash.
Ati Zigi started in goal against Panama, with Caleb Yirenkyi earning a midfield start. Inaki Williams began on the bench, while Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Brandon Thomas-Asante led the line.
What’s Next
Ghana now shifts focus to Gillette Stadium in Boston, where they face England on June 23. Croatia awaits on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. With 26 players fit and camp spirits high, the Black Stars are aiming to carry this momentum through Group L.
Key Squad Names: Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, Gideon Mensah, Benjamin Asare, Abdul Fatawu, Ernest Nuamah.
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