Sports
Ghana’s 2026 World Cup opponents Panama suffer heavy defeat to Brazil
Panama, one of Ghana’s opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, suffered a heavy defeat to record five-time champions Brazil in an international friendly on Sunday night.
The Los Canaleros lost 6-2 to the South American giants as both nations continued their preparations for the global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior wasted no time in opening the scoring, finding the back of the net just one minute into the match at the Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho (Maracanã). Panama responded with an equaliser in the 39th minute following an own goal by Matheus Cunha.
Casemiro, who provided the assist for Vinicius Junior’s opener, restored Brazil’s lead later in the first half as the Samba Boys headed into the break with a slender advantage.
After the restart, Carlo Ancelotti’s side asserted their dominance, scoring four more goals to seal a commanding victory.
Goals from Rayan, Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago and Danilo completed the rout, while Carlos Harvey grabbed Panama’s second consolation goal of the evening.
Panama are in Group L alongside Ghana, England and Croatia. They will begin their World Cup campaign against Ghana on June 17 in Canada.
Brazil, meanwhile, have been drawn in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. The Samba Boys will open their campaign against the Atlas Lions.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
