Mission Toronto: Black Stars Jet Out for World Cup Opener

The Black Stars will depart Rhode Island for Toronto on Monday, two days before they take on Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Coach Carlos Queiroz’s men have been preparing in Providence, Rhode Island, since the team’s arrival from Virginia on Thursday. The squad has been fine-tuning tactics and building chemistry at their training base ahead of the crucial Group L encounter.

Tuesday training session at BMO Field

While in Toronto, the team will hold an official training session at BMO Field on Tuesday before facing the Central Americans on Wednesday. The session will allow players to familiarise themselves with the pitch and stadium conditions ahead of the match.

The match is scheduled for 7:00pm ET at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17 2026. The fixture marks Ghana’s first appearance at the expanded 48-team tournament, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Group L challenge

Ghana will face Panama in their group opener, followed by England on June 23 in Boston and Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia. The Black Stars will be aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.

Captain Jordan Ayew has urged Ghanaians to keep praying for the team, describing the three group matches as “massive games” and vowing that the squad is motivated to make the nation proud.

Team news

The Black Stars will be without midfielder Thomas Partey for the Panama match following a visa decision by Canadian authorities. The Sports Ministry confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that the Government continues to engage on the diplomatic aspects of the matter.

Ghana’s 26-man squad includes Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams, and Leicester City captain Jordan Ayew, who will lead the team in his third World Cup.

The team’s departure from Rhode Island marks the final leg of their preparations. After the Panama match, Ghana will return to the United States for their remaining group fixtures against England and Croatia.

The Black Stars have not won a match since October 2025, and Queiroz will be desperate to end that run against Panama. The coach has had limited time with the full squad due to late arrivals, but the team’s training camp in Providence has provided valuable time for the players to gel.

Kick-off against Panama is scheduled for 7:00pm ET (11:00pm GMT) on Wednesday, June 17. The match will be broadcast live on free-to-air television through the Ghana TV Consortium and on SuperSport for DStv subscribers. Ghanaian fans across the world will be watching as the Black Stars begin their quest for World Cup glory.

Source: Graphic Online