Ghana head coach Otto Addo is targeting a “good start” against Panama in the 2026 World Cup to give the team a "psychological" boost.

The Black Stars will face the Central Americans in their Group L opener on June 17 in Toronto.

Panama, who are ranked 30th in the FIFA Men’s Ranking, are making only their second appearance on the world stage, following their debut in the 2018 edition.

"I'm hoping that we have a good start against Panama, that will be very, very crucial," Otto Addo said in an interview with Ghanafa.org.

"It will make the other games a little more relaxed and easier for the players psychologically. We will use the window of March for test matches, and then see," he added.

Ghana will also face England and Croatia in the group stage of next year’s global showpiece.

England were 2018 World Cup finalists, while Croatia reached the semi-finals in the Qatar edition.

The Black Stars have been eliminated at the group stage in each of their last two World Cup appearances.