Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen says he is fully aware of the threat Ghana poses at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing his respect for Black Stars coach Otto Addo and the quality within the squad.
Christiansen, who encountered Addo during their playing careers in the Bundesliga, believes that familiarity gives him early insight into Ghana’s strengths ahead of their opening Group L meeting on 17 June.
“I faced him when I was a player in the Bundesliga, so I know him and know the quality that he had as a player and what he has brought to the team,” he told 3SPORTS in his first reaction to the draw.
He also pointed to the presence of forward Inaki Williams as another major factor Panama must prepare for. Williams, who plays for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, remains one of Ghana’s most experienced and reliable attackers heading into the tournament.
“Of course, we also have Inaki Williams because he plays for Athletic Bilbao,” Christiansen added, noting the striker’s pace and work ethic as key threats.
Panama will be underdogs in a group that includes 2018 finalists Croatia and tournament favourites England, but Christiansen insists his team must be competitive in all three matches.
Ghana, meanwhile, are aiming to advance from the group stage of a World Cup for the first time since their historic 2010 run.
