Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has cautioned the Ghana national football team, the Black Stars against underestimating any opponent at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that perceived underdogs Panama national football team could prove to be the team’s most difficult challenge in the group stage.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, the England national football team and the Croatia national football team for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Kingston said while Ghanaian fans may be more familiar with England and Croatia due to their regular appearances in European competitions, Panama remain a largely unknown quantity and should be treated with caution.

‎“We know our opponents very well, apart from Panama. I think we are very much aware of England,” he said.

“A lot of people are writing off Panama, but for me, that’s the most important opponent. We see England and Croatia over and over again playing every week, but the Panama team are players that we are unaware of. They will be a thorn in our flesh.”

‎Kingston believes that unfamiliarity with Panama’s style and players could make the fixture particularly challenging for the four-time African champions.

‎The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on 17 June before facing England on 23 June and concluding their group-stage matches against Croatia on 27 June.

As part of their preparations, the team will regroup in March for friendly matches against the Austria national football team and the Germany national football team. A final warm-up match against the Mexico national football team is scheduled for May.

‎The Ghana Football Association has confirmed that the squad will be based at Bryant University in the United States during the tournament.

After group-stage exits at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Ghana will be aiming for a stronger showing when the global competition returns to North America.