Portugal had to make it through the European play-offs after finishing behind Serbia in qualifying Group A.
But Fernando Santos’ side negotiated their way to Qatar with ease, seeing off Turkey 3-1 in the semi-finals before a 2-0 win over North Macedonia secured their spot at the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo was Portugal’s top goalscorer in the group stage with six, while his former Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes made himself the hero against North Macedonia by netting both goals.
Thomas Partey is Ghana’s main man and the Arsenal midfielder starts for his country as they kick off their World Cup campaign.
Partey is joined in the side by two other Premier League-based players – Leicester’s Daniel Amartey and Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu.
Abdul Rahman Baba – who is on loan at Reading from Chelsea – also starts, as does Inaki Williams, the Athletic Bilbao forward who switched international allegiance from Spain and whose brother is representing Luis Enrique’s side in Qatar.
Ghana team news
Team to play Portugal: Ati-Zigi; Salisu, Amartey, Djiku; Alidu, Partey, A. Ayew, Adbul Samed, Rahman Baba; Kudus, Williams.
Subs: Ibrahim, Nurudeen, Lamptey, Odoi, Owusu, Issahaku, Kyereh, J. Ayew, Bukari, Afriyie, Mensah, Aidoo, Sulemana, Sowah, Semenyo.
Portugal team news
Team to play Ghana: Costa; Cancelo, Pereira, Dias, Guerreiro; Neves, B. Silva, Fernandes; Otavio, Felix, Ronaldo.
Subs: Patricio, Sa, Dalot, Pepe, Palhinha, Andre Silva, Carvalho, Leao, Vitinha, Mario, Horta, Nunes, Antonio Silva, Ramos.