'Play for the flag and the children,' Mahama tells Black Stars ahead of Panama World Cup opener

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Black Stars to play for the nation and inspire the next generation as they prepare to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto.

In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Office on June Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Mr Mahama said Ghanaians stood firmly behind the national team as it made its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars will face Panama in their Group L opener on Wednesday evening at BMO Field in Toronto. The match will be the first senior international meeting between the two countries.

The President said the players carried the hopes and aspirations of Ghanaians into the tournament and urged them to represent the country with pride.

"Play for the flag. Play for the children who dream of following in your footsteps," he said.

Mr Mahama also called on Ghanaians living in Toronto and across North America to support the team from the stands.

He urged them to serve as the team's "12th man" by turning out in large numbers and wearing the national colours to cheer the players throughout the tournament.

The President said the government had also supported arrangements to allow Ghanaians at home to watch every Black Stars match on free-to-air television.

According to the statement, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation secured the free-to-air terrestrial television rights for the tournament with government support. A National Broadcast Consortium of television stations has also been formed to extend coverage across the country.

Mr Mahama expressed confidence in the team's ability to represent Ghana well on the world stage and wished the players success in the tournament.

The statement was signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu.