The Central American side will face Ghana, England and Croatia in a challenging group that offers little margin for error.
The draw, conducted on Friday in Washington DC, paired the two nations for the first time at senior level. Ghana have never faced Panama in any official match, but both head coaches share a long-standing familiarity from their playing careers in Germany.
Christiansen and Otto Addo competed against each other in the Bundesliga, a connection that has resurfaced as they prepare to meet on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking to Flashscore after the draw, Christiansen acknowledged Ghana’s quality and noted his personal experience facing Addo during their playing days.
“I faced him when I was a player in the Bundesliga, so I know Otto Addo and know the quality that he had as a player and what he has brought to the team. Of course also they have Inaki Williams because he plays in Athletic Bilbao. I have good references from Ghana and it will be a tough game.”
Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, a fixture that now carries added intrigue due to the coaches’ shared history.
Responding to Christiansen’s comments, Ghana coach Otto Addo also recalled to Flashscore their Bundesliga encounters and praised his opposite number.
"Christiansen was playing in my time. I played several times against him. He’s a very intelligent player, good character, so I expect him to be tactically very, very good because he’s smart.
"I have to study them very, very close. I didn’t have a close look on them but I will study them very, very well and see what and how we can beat them best."
With England and Croatia also in the group, both Ghana and Panama will view their opening clash as pivotal to their hopes of advancing.
