Who is the referee for Ghana vs Panama?

Brandon Thomas-Asante of Ghana smiling with his arms raised vs Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) — Ghana kick off their proceedings in Group L tonight against Panama, but who is the referee? (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ghana will head into their opening Group L face-off against Panama this evening, in the 23rd match of the 2026 World Cup so far.

The game will be played at the Toronto Stadium in Canada at 12:00AM UK time, broadcast by ITV for British viewers.

Ghana enter the clash in shockingly poor form, having taken six losses from their last seven matches, with the other being a draw against Wales.

The referee for Ghana vs Panama in Group L at the 2026 World Cup

Cecilio Waterman (L) celebrates with teammate defender #15 Eric Davis after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Concacaf qualifier football match against Guatemala. — Panama enter the face-off in superior form. (Image credit: JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

The Ghana vs Panama match in Group L will be officiated by Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg.

Joining him as assistant referees are fellow countrymen Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Soderkvist.

Glenn Nyberg with a whistle in his mouth, holding a yellow card above his head. — Glenn Nyberg, who once showed red to a furious Cristiano Ronaldo, will serve as referee for Ghana vs Panama. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Those assuming VAR responsibilities are Saudi Arabian officials Khalid Alturais and Mohammed Alabakry.

Nyberg has prior experience on the largest of international stages, having officiated three UEFA European Championship matches.

The Swede has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2016, and averages nearly 3.5 bookings per game.

He has appeared as referee 23 times in the UEFA Champions League, officiating a thriller 3-3 Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid draw in the tournament's play-offs back in February.

He was also the referee for Ireland's 2-0 victory against Portugal in World Cup qualifying, in which he showed red to Cristiano Ronaldo — who endured a horror opener in the tournament with Portugal, today.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR at Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. — Cristiano Ronaldo was shown red back in November by the Swede. (Image credit: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Swede shows red in just over one in 10 games that he officiates, with the Portuguese maestro being on the receiving end for violent conduct as Troy Parrott bagged a brace on his head.

Nyberg also served as referee for Aston Villa's 4-0 second leg hammering of Nottingham Forest in early May.

Panama enter the clash in slightly better form than their opposition, taking two wins and three draws from their last seven.

TOPICS

Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.