Ghana vs Panama: All the Local VIPs Attending the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup Opener
· YEN.com.gh News · Join- Several prominent Ghanaians travelled to Toronto to watch the Black Stars play their first 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Panama
- Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II topped the list of VIPs present for the crucial game
- Ghanaians are hoping that the Black Stars will put up a good show on June 17, considering the many VIPs present to support them
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
The Ghana Black Stars will play their first 2026 FIFA World Cup game against Panama's national football team on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Several respected Ghanaians have arrived in Toronto to witness Ghana's first game at the Toronto Stadium, known as BMO Field, in Canada.
Source: UGC
Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice President of Ghana, will be present at the stadium.
Other top Ghanaian politicians present include the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, Chief of Staff (Office of the Vice President), Alex Segbefia and Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, a top NDC member.
Stay ahead of the gist. Join YEN’s WhatsApp channel for instant updates!
Meanwhile, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is also expected at BMO Field to cheer on the Black Stars in their 2026 World Cup opener against Panama.
Graphic Online reported that he is also the Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Business Summit, taking place in Toronto, from June 15 to 21.
The event is being organised by the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce and its partners.
The Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie will also be watching, while Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie earlier joined the Vice President to visit the Black Stars at the team's hotel in Toronto on June 16, 2026.
High Commissioner to Canada Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh will also join the other prominent Ghanaians to watch the match, along with football legends like Samuel Osei Kuffuor and Asamoah Gyan.
Analysing Ghana's chances of beating Panama
Ghana's preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been far from smooth.
The four-time African champions have played only one warm-up match ahead of the tournament, a 1-1 draw against Wales, and concerns remain over both ends of the pitch.
The Black Stars have found goals hard to come by, scoring only three times in their last six outings while conceding 13, according to Flashscore.
Panama, by contrast, appears to have arrived better prepared, having recorded one win, one draw and one defeat in their World Cup preparatory games.
During that spell, they scored seven goals but also conceded nine, exposing defensive vulnerabilities that Ghana would hope to exploit.
Source: Getty Images
History also offers some encouragement for the West Africans.
Ghana have enjoyed success against teams from the CONCACAF region, winning two of their three previous meetings against the United States.
Wednesday's showdown will mark the first-ever senior international meeting between Ghana and Panama, adding another layer of intrigue to an already significant contest.
The Black Stars will, however, be without deputy captain Thomas Partey after the midfielder was denied entry into Canada because of his ongoing assault case in the United Kingdom.
Even so, coach Carlos Queiroz has made his expectations crystal clear, describing the encounter as a must-win match as Ghana aim to lay the foundation for their campaign.
Source: Getty Images
Bawumia sends message to Black Stars
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia had urged the Black Stars to play with all their might against Panama.
The NPP flagbearer also joined Ghanaians in wishing the team success as they prepare for the crucial group stage clash on June 17.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh