Ghana and Panama meet in the second match of Group L’s opening round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although Ghana are considered slight favorites by bookmakers, Panama actually hold the higher position in the FIFA World Rankings. Panama currently sit 34th in the world, comfortably inside the top 40, while Ghana are ranked 73rd and are among the lowest-ranked teams participating in this summer’s tournament.
The referee assigned to this match is Swedish official Glenn Nyberg, who has more than a decade of FIFA experience.
Statistics from Nyberg’s last 100 matches show averages of:
- 23.5 fouls per game
- 2.74 yellow cards per game
- 0.09 red cards per game
These numbers suggest a relatively lenient disciplinary profile. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Nyberg officiated two matches and issued only four cards in total.
Recent team trends also point toward a low-card encounter.
Ghana have received at least one yellow card in each of their last five matches, and in four of those games they covered the card handicap.
Panama’s recent matches have generally been disciplined affairs, with five of their last six games finishing under the total cards line.
Taking all of these factors into account, Ghana appear more likely to win the card count, while the overall number of cards could remain relatively low.
Full Match Card Picks
- Ghana card handicap
- Under total cards
First-Half Card Betting Analysis
The first-half card market also favors a low-card scenario.
Three consecutive Panama matches have produced no more than one first-half booking.
Similarly, four of Ghana’s last five matches featured either one or zero yellow cards before halftime.
An additional trend strengthens this prediction: in five major tournament matches (World Cup and European Championship) officiated by Glenn Nyberg, he has never issued more than one card during the first half.
As a result, a quiet and disciplined opening 45 minutes looks likely.
First-Half Card Picks
- Ghana first-half card handicap
- Under first-half cards
Team News
Ghana
- Midfielder Thomas Partey is unavailable after failing to obtain a Canadian visa in time for the opening match.
- He is expected to return for Ghana’s remaining group-stage fixtures.
Panama
- Star midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla missed all of Panama’s World Cup warm-up matches because of injury.
- However, he could make an appearance from the bench against Ghana.
Probable Lineups
Ghana
Ati-Zigi; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Owusu, Yirenkyi, Nuamah, Boakye, Semenyo; Ayew.
Panama
Mosquera; Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade; Murillo, Godoy, Harvey, Davis; Rodriguez, Diaz, Fajardo.
Head-to-Head Record
The two national teams have never faced each other before in either a competitive or friendly international match.
Betting Summary
Full Match Cards
✅ Ghana card handicap
✅ Under total cards
First-Half Cards
✅ Ghana first-half card handicap
✅ Under first-half cards
Key Supporting Factors
- Glenn Nyberg averages fewer than three yellow cards per match.
- Only four cards were shown across the two World Cup matches he officiated in 2022.
- Five of Panama’s last six matches finished under the total cards line.
- Three consecutive Panama matches produced no more than one first-half booking.
- Nyberg has never shown more than one first-half card in a World Cup or European Championship match he has officiated.