England star Eddie Nketiah watches Ghana beat Panama ahead of nationality switch

England forward Eddie Nketiah was among the spectators at Toronto Stadium as the Black Stars opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama.

The striker was accompanied by his father as they watched Caleb Yirenkyi score a stoppage-time winner to hand Ghana all three points in their Group L opener.

Nketiah had been in discussions over switching his international allegiance from England to Ghana before the World Cup, with the forward expected to be included in Carlos Queiroz's squad.

However, an injury ruled the former Arsenal striker out of contention before the tournament, delaying what would have been his first call-up for the Black Stars.

Despite missing out on the World Cup, Nketiah's presence in the stands has further fuelled expectations that his international future lies with Ghana.

The Crystal Palace forward is expected to complete his nationality switch after the tournament, making him available for future Black Stars assignments.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Nketiah represented England at youth level before making his senior debut in 2023. He has since remained eligible to represent Ghana under FIFA's nationality switch regulations.

Should the switch be completed, Ghana would receive a significant attacking boost with one of the Premier League's most experienced forwards joining the national team.

Nketiah watched Ghana make the perfect start to their World Cup campaign as Yirenkyi's 95th-minute goal secured victory over Panama.

The Black Stars now turn their attention to a crucial Group L clash against England in Boston, where Nketiah's current and future international ties will once again be a talking point.