Three vital points are on the line for Panama and Ghana when the two sides meet on Wednesday night to open their Group L journeys.
Ghana are favored despite six defeats and one draw in their last seven matches. My Ghana vs. Panama predictions explain why I’m backing the higher-ranked team to get a result.
Find out more in my World Cup picks for Wednesday, June 17, with kickoff at 7 p.m. ET on FS1.
Please link to World Cup odds and World Cup bracket throughout the article as well.
TOP PICK
Who will win Ghana vs Panama: Draw (+245)
Panama line up in a 3-4-3 setup that converts to a 5-4-1 without the ball. I expect much of the same on Wednesday as they look to limit the damage done by the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew, and force Ghana to commit bodies forward.
That’s important because this Ghana side is at its best when it can throw its dangerous wide attackers forward on the break — and struggles to defend against the break.
Panama showed they are capable of keeping possession for longer stretches and putting together attacks, tallying nine shots on target and only being outshot 20-16 in their recent 6-2 loss to Brazil.
That will be of concern for manager Carlos Queiroz, who will be without the services of Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfield anchor was denied entry into Canada by the government due to his ongoing legal matters, leaving the recently-appointed manager with a selection headache.
Queiroz has always been known as a cautious manager. Not having his ball-winning midfielder in the double-pivot should enhance that trait.
That sets the stage for a cagey affair, ultimately ending in a share of the spoils. I’m backing the draw up to +230 as my top play.
If you’re worried about a late goal from one of these sides going for the win, you can also go with the first-half draw instead. It’s currently available for a 46-cent bid at Kalshi.
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Ghana vs Panama Over/Under Pick: Under 2.5 (-150)
I’m not a fan of the juice, but the Under is the way to go. However, I wouldn’t take it past the current odds of -150.
Not only do I expect both sides to be cautious, but I also anticipate they will feel the absence of two key playmakers.
Adalberto Carrasquilla returned to training on Sunday, but isn’t expected to be ready to start for Panama. That robs them of a player who ranked in the 100th percentile in expected assists and the 87th in successful passes per 90 minutes among all players in CONCACAF qualification.
Ghana will be without Mohammed Kudus, who couldn't recover from his quad injury in time for the World Cup. His ability to pick apart this Panama defense from a central position will be sorely missed, especially for a side that has scored just three goals in its last seven matches.
This match has the feel of a 1-1 or 0-0 draw for me, which is why I’m backing the Under despite the juice. That said, I’d strongly look at the first-half Under 0.5, which is currently available on Kalshi’s World Cup odds for a 37-cent trade.
Ghana vs Panama projected lineup
Ghana (4-2-3-1): Mosquera; Andrade, Cordoba, Ramos; Murillo, Godoy, Harvey, Davis; Jose Rodriguez, Fajardo, Diaz.
Panama (Formation): Ati-Zigi; Senaya, Oppong, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Owusu; Semenyo, Ayew, Williams.
Ghana vs Panama injuries
Ghana: CM Thomas Partey (Out).
Panama: CM Adalberto Carrasquilla (Questionable).
Ghana vs Panama weather
Temperatures will be in the upper 60s, with cloudy skies and possible showers throughout the match.
Ghana vs Panama odds
| Ghana | Panama | |
|---|---|---|
| +127 | Moneyline | +245 |
| +245 | Draw | +245 |
| Over 2.5 (+144) | Total | Under 2.5 (-150) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch Ghana vs Panama
Check out FIFA's official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | BMO Field, Toronto, Canada |
| Date | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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