Ghana and Panama open their 2026 World Cup campaigns on Wednesday in a Group L clash at Toronto’s BMO Field. Both teams are viewed as underdogs, with England and Croatia expected to fill the group’s top two spots. Ghana sit 73rd in the FIFA rankings, the lowest in the group, while Panama are ranked 34th and are making only their second World Cup appearance.
The match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET. Current odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Ghana at +135, Panama at +220, and a draw at +210 on the 90‑minute money line. The total‑goals line is set at 2.5, with the Over priced at +138 and the Under at -170.
SportsLine analyst Martin Green, a veteran handicapper, has evaluated the contest and released his betting picks. His key numbers are:
- Money line: Ghana +135, Panama +220, Draw +210
- Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over +138, Under -170
- Spread: Ghana -1.5 (+420)
Top predictions
Green expects both sides to score, assigning a +105 odds to the “both teams to score” market. He notes that Ghana possess considerable attacking talent, with Antoine Semenyo leading the charge alongside Iñaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, despite the absence of vice‑captain Thomas Partey. Green believes Panama can also find the net, citing the form of midfield anchor Aníbal Godoy and experienced forwards Cecilio Waterman and José Fajardo.
How to approach your picks
Green highlights a critical x‑factor he has identified for this fixture and recommends two additional bets, which are detailed on SportsLine.
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