World Cup 2026: Yirenkyi, Nuamah, Semenyo start as Jordan Ayew leads Ghana in Panama clash

Carlos Queiroz has named his starting XI for Ghana’s crucial Group L opener against Panama, with teenage sensation Caleb Yirenkyi, winger Ernest Nuamah, and in-form forward Antoine Semenyo all given the nod to start at BMO Field in Toronto.

As expected, veteran captain Jordan Ayew leads the line for the Black Stars, embarking on his third World Cup campaign. At 34 years and 279 days old, Ayew is set to become Ghana’s oldest-ever World Cup player, surpassing Denis Odoi’s record from the 2022 tournament.

The lineup features a blend of youthful energy and experience. Lawrence Ati-Zigi starts in goal behind a defence of Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, and Gideon Mensah.

In the absence of the influential Thomas Partey, who was denied a Canadian visa, the midfield engine room pairs Elisha Owusu with the highly rated 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi. Yirenkyi, who scored in Ghana’s final warm-up match against Wales, is tasked with providing creativity and drive from the centre of the park.

The attacking trio behind Ayew is a potent mix of pace and trickery, with Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo leading the line, supported by Lyon's Ernest Nuamah on the right and Atalanta’s Kamaldeen Sulemana on the left.

The decision to start Nuamah and Sulemana means that Inaki Williams, a notable absentee from the starting eleven, will begin the match on the bench.

Queiroz, who is aiming to guide Ghana to their first knockout stage appearance since 2010, will be hoping this attacking setup can break down a stubborn Panamanian defence and end the Black Stars’ seven-match winless run. The match kicks off at BMO Field in Toronto.