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Ghana’s opening opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Panama national football team, endured a tough international friendly after being defeated 6–2 by Brazil national football team at the Maracanã Stadium.
The result comes just weeks before Panama face the Ghana national football team in their opening Group G fixture on June 17 in Toronto, Canada. The defeat exposed defensive weaknesses that Ghana may seek to exploit when the tournament begins.
Brazil, five-time world champions, dominated the match from the outset. Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring with a long-range strike before Panama briefly responded with an equaliser.
However, Brazil quickly regained control, with Casemiro heading in from a Vinícius assist to restore the lead. Panama then struggled to contain Brazil’s attacking pressure as goals followed from Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago, and Danilo, alongside a strike involving Rayan.
Panama managed a late consolation goal through Carlos Harvey, but the match ended in a comprehensive defeat.
Meanwhile, Ghana continue preparations for the tournament and are scheduled to face Wales national football team in a friendly on June 2. Head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to announce his final World Cup squad soon during a media briefing in Wales.
Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against Panama, before facing England in Boston and concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia.
Source: 3news
