Ghana coach Otto Addo believes their opening match against Panama will be crucial to the Black Stars’ chances at the 2026 World Cup.

The Black Stars of Ghana begin their campaign on June 17 in Toronto before facing England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27, 2026.

“It’s very important that we don’t underrate any team. England are favourites in the group, but for me every game is special,” Otto Addo told the Ghana Football Association website.

The coach stressed the need for a strong start. “I’m hoping we have a good start against Panama – that will be very, very crucial. It will make the other games a little more relaxed and easier for the players psychologically,” he said, adding that Ghana would use the March international window for warm-up matches.

Otto Addo praised his youthful squad’s progress after an impressive qualifying campaign.

“I think we did very well in the qualifiers. We just played one draw, and the rest we won, so we had quite a good year in 2025, after a bad year in 2024,’’ Otto Addo said.

The gaffer also praised his team’s harmony and the good union among the players.