Ghana’s first opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Panama national football team, endured a difficult test after being beaten 6-2 by Brazil national football team in an international friendly at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.
The result comes just weeks before Panama’s opening Group Stage encounter against the Ghana national football team on June 17 in Toronto. While Panama will be hoping to learn from the defeat, the match highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that Ghana may seek to exploit during the tournament.
Brazil asserted control from the outset, with Vinícius Júnior opening the scoring through a spectacular long-range strike. Panama briefly fought back and levelled the score 12 minutes later when a deflected free kick struck Matheus Cunha and ended up in the net.
The equaliser proved short-lived, however, as Brazil quickly restored their advantage. Veteran midfielder Casemiro headed home from a Vinícius Júnior cross to put the hosts back in front before the Brazilian attack took complete control of the game.
Panama’s problems deepened when goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made a costly mistake that allowed Rayan to add another goal. Lucas Paquetá then extended the lead with a powerful effort from distance, while Igor Thiago converted a penalty to make it five.
Brazil completed the scoring through Danilo, who netted the sixth goal with ten minutes remaining. Panama managed a late consolation through Carlos Harvey in the 83rd minute, but the match had long been decided.
Meanwhile, Ghana continue their preparations for the World Cup and are scheduled to face Wales national football team in an international friendly on June 2. The match is expected to provide head coach Carlos Queiroz with a valuable opportunity to evaluate his squad before the tournament begins.
Queiroz is also expected to unveil his final World Cup squad during a media engagement in Wales, where he will outline his plans and expectations for the competition.
Following their opening match against Panama in Toronto, the Black Stars will travel to Boston for a highly anticipated encounter with England national football team before concluding their group-stage campaign against Croatia national football team in Philadelphia.
As preparations intensify, Ghana will take encouragement from Panama’s struggles against top-level opposition as they seek to begin their World Cup campaign on a strong note.
Source: 3news.com
