World Cup 2026: It will be a tough clash for Ghana - Ahmed Barusso ahead of Panama opener

Former Black Stars midfielder Ahmed Barusso has cautioned Ghana against underestimating Panama, insisting the team’s World Cup opener could shape its entire tournament campaign.

Ghana will begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, a fixture widely viewed as pivotal in a competitive Group L that also includes England and Croatia.

Barusso, who represented Ghana at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and previously played for AS Roma, stressed the importance of starting strong in the group phase.

“It won’t be an easy task… We should try and take our chances and deliver as early as possible because it’s the first game, and I think we should get the three points,” he told Citi Sports.

He added that anything short of victory could significantly complicate Ghana’s path to the knockout stage.

“It’s a must; if we don’t get the three points, then we should see that our chances of qualifying will be very difficult.”

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

After their opener against the Central American side, the Black Stars will face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group campaign against Croatia on June 27.