Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah was in attendance at Toronto Stadium to witness Ghana’s dramatic start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the Black Stars edged Panama 1-0 thanks to a late winner.
Nketiah, who was joined by his father, watched from the stands as Caleb Yirenkyi struck deep into stoppage time to secure all three points for Ghana in their opening Group L fixture on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The 27-year-old had been strongly linked with a switch of international allegiance from England to Ghana ahead of the tournament.
However, an injury setback ended those hopes before the World Cup began, forcing him to miss what could have been his first involvement with the Black Stars.
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Even so, his appearance at Ghana’s opening match has intensified speculation that he remains committed to representing the 2010 World Cup quarterfinalists in the future.
Nketiah is expected to finalise his nationality switch after the World Cup, which would make him eligible for selection in upcoming Black Stars matches.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, the former Arsenal forward progressed through England’s youth ranks and earned a senior appearance in 2023.
Despite that, FIFA regulations still allow him to change allegiance to Ghana.
Nketiah watched as Ghana celebrated a memorable victory over Panama, with Yirenkyi’s injury-time strike delivering a winning start to their World Cup journey.
The Black Stars will next face England in a highly anticipated Group L encounter in Boston.
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