- Ghana form: Ghana have won three, tied two and lost five of their last ten matches in all competitions.
- Panama form: Panama have won five, tied three and lost two of their last ten international matches.
A tale of two tactics
Ghana and Panama are set to kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L matches with a tactical battle on Wednesday.
Ghana
Carlos Queiroz is the man in charge of the Ghanaian national team, a manager known for installing disciplined, defence-first systems and ensuring his sides are solid at the back.
Panama
Panama have plenty of flexibility in their tactical structure under Thomas Christiansen, who's pragmatic and flexible approach since taking the reins in 2020 has worked extremely well. Panama have a solid international record in recent years and are likely to cause problems for Ghana in the wide areas with their wing-back system.
Stalemate is on the cards
Ghana's recent form has been poor with the Black Stars winning none, tying one and losing four of their last five international fixtures. However, they did lose 2-0 to Mexico last time out and tied Wales 1-1 in their previous friendly. In this opening group game, Queiroz will want to build a compact midfield block and utilise selective pressing to frustrate Panama.
Panama's form has been more promising with Panama winning two, tying one and losing two of their last five. Those results include a 4-2 win over the Dominican Republic and a 6-2 hammering by Brazil.
Panama will cause problems
Queiroz's team may look solid and structured but they've been less than convincing lately and we're backing Panama to double Ghana in what should be a close battle.
We think that 3.7 for Panama represents great value in this opener. However, the bookies may have underrated Ghana's resilience and the hosts could nick it in a low-scoring affair so we're going for Ghana to win and under 2.5 goals at 1.66.
Ghana are solid at home and Queiroz will have his men locked down in their compact midfield from the start, while Panama will be looking to push their wing-backs forward to try and stretch the Black Stars. If they can pick up a turnover or two early on, they'll be in a good position to control the game from there and it will be a question of which team first relinquishes control.
- Panama are a decent side away from home and have won three, tied two and lost just one of their last six away international fixtures.
- The Canales have scored ten goals during that period and should get on the ball well on Wednesday.
- The hosts are set at 2.07 favourites here with Panama 3.7 and the tie 3.64, so it looks as though it will be a tight game.
