Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged the senior national team, the Black Stars, to deliver their best performance as they begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Ghana will face Panama in their opening group match in Toronto, the capital of Ontario Province in Canada.

The Vice President assured the team of the nation’s full support, regardless of where they are playing.

She delivered the message when she led a delegation of prominent Ghanaians to visit the team’s camp in Toronto ahead of the crucial opening fixture.

“Ghana is rooting for you, regardless of where you are, whether in the diaspora, on farms, or at home. The whole country is behind you,” she told the players.

She encouraged the squad to exceed expectations as they embark on their fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

“We know you are doing well, and we know you will excel. I want you to go even higher. Every mother wants her child to be the best they can be and to go beyond what they think they can achieve. So we are here to encourage you to do more,” she added.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also emphasised the importance of teamwork, noting that cooperation on the pitch is key to achieving success.

“You hear the term group work, and I believe that reflects cooperation in sports. No matter your individual strength, you become stronger when you play with others. And if you help make others stronger in the process, the team succeeds even more,” she said.

Ghana will take on Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. GMT.