World Cup 2026: I want to start more games - Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante

Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says he understands the importance of roles in football, but he would want to start as many games as possible.

The Coventry City forward came off the bench to set up Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage-time strike as Ghana kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign on a positive note at the BMO Field on Wednesday.

Asked about his role in the game, the forward said, "I just wanted to do what I did, really. I would have probably liked a goal as well, but the main thing was the win."

"My style of play, I'm very fortunate that a lot of times in my career, even if I'm on the bench, there's an opportunity to come and impact the game. Obviously, I want to start every game, but in my career, you know that is not how football works.

"You have to be ready for any occasion, and today my job was to try and impact it from the bench, and I'm happy that I could contribute in some way. It's about the team performance because to go to that point at 0-0, defending solidly, having a few chances, that is what the team did before I came on, so credit to them and to Caleb for the goal."

Following his impressive outing against Panama, Thomas-Asante will be hoping he has done enough to convince head coach Carlos Queiroz.

The win places Ghana second in Group L behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

Attention now turns to a crucial showdown with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before Ghana wrap up their group stage against Croatia four days later.

With three points already secured, Queiroz’s side will be aiming to build momentum as they chase a first knockout-stage appearance since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.