England-Ghanaian forward Eddie Nketiah watches Black Stars beat Panama

England-born forward Eddie Nketiah was in the stands at Toronto Stadium as Ghana kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama, adding fresh intrigue to the striker’s anticipated switch of international allegiance.

The Crystal Palace forward, accompanied by his father, watched on as Caleb Yirenkyi struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to hand the Black Stars all three points in their Group L opener on Wednesday.

Nketiah had been expected to make his maiden Black Stars appearance at the World Cup after holding discussions over switching his international allegiance from England to Ghana. However, an injury forced the 27-year-old to withdraw from contention before head coach Carlos Queiroz named his final squad.

Although sidelined for the tournament, Nketiah’s appearance at Ghana’s opening match has reignited speculation that his international future lies with the four-time African champions.

The former Arsenal striker, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents, represented England at youth level before making his senior debut in 2023. Under FIFA’s eligibility rules, he remains able to represent Ghana after beginning the process to change his sporting nationality.

Officials are expected to complete the nationality switch after the World Cup, making the experienced Premier League forward available for future Black Stars fixtures.

Nketiah watched Ghana make an impressive start to their campaign as Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner secured a hard-fought victory over Panama and lifted the Black Stars to the top of Group L.

Attention now turns to Ghana’s highly anticipated clash against England in Boston, a fixture that is expected to put Nketiah’s current and prospective international allegiances firmly back in the spotlight, despite the striker being unavailable through injury.

Jamaldeen Wiayuka

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