Ghana Leave It Late to Defeat Panama 1–0 in World Cup Opener

Ghana opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic late victory after Caleb Yirenkyi struck in stoppage time to secure a hard-fought 1–0 win over Panama in Group L at BMO Field in Toronto.

Just as the contest appeared destined to end in a goalless draw, Ghana found the decisive moment deep into added time to collect all three points and make an encouraging start to their tournament.

Tight Contest Produces Few Clear Chances

The opening fixture proved to be a tense and disciplined encounter, with both sides finding it difficult to create meaningful attacking opportunities.

Ghana enjoyed spells of possession and looked marginally more threatening going forward, but Panama remained organised and resilient throughout much of the match.

Clear-cut chances were limited as defensive discipline and cautious play dominated proceedings.

As the match entered the closing stages, the possibility of the teams sharing the points appeared increasingly likely.

Yirenkyi Delivers Decisive Moment

However, Ghana produced one final breakthrough.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Caleb Yirenkyi emerged as the match winner, finding the net to break Panama’s resistance and spark celebrations among the Ghanaian players and supporters.

His late intervention transformed what had been a frustrating evening into a perfect start for the Black Stars.

The goal ensured Ghana left Toronto with maximum points and valuable momentum heading into the next round of fixtures.

Group L Begins to Take Shape

The result moves Ghana level on points with England at the top of Group L after the Three Lions opened their campaign with an entertaining 4–2 victory over Croatia.

Panama, meanwhile, were left disappointed after coming close to earning an important opening-point result but now face increased pressure in their upcoming fixtures.

With England and Croatia also competing in the group, the battle for qualification to the knockout stages is already beginning to intensify.

For Ghana, however, this opening victory offers belief and a strong platform as they continue their pursuit of progress at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.