2026 World Cup: Caleb Yirenkyi strikes late as Ghana stun 'stubborn' Panama in group opener
Ghana began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in dramatic fashion with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Panama, courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner at BMO Field in Toronto.
The Group L encounter appeared destined to end in a goalless draw after a largely scrappy and frustrating contest, but the Black Stars produced a decisive late counterattack to snatch all three points and ignite celebrations among their supporters.
Panama started brightly and nearly took the lead inside the opening two minutes. A dangerous low cross found Waterman in the box, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi reacted quickly to make an important save.
The Central Americans continued to dominate possession and dictated much of the first half, enjoying lengthy spells on the ball while Ghana struggled to create meaningful opportunities. The Black Stars failed to register a shot throughout the opening 45 minutes as Panama maintained control.
Ati-Zigi was kept busy throughout the first half and was involved in a heavy collision with Carlos Harvey while dealing with a cross. The goalkeeper later appeared to suffer a thigh injury and received treatment before continuing.
However, Ghana suffered a major setback at the start of the second half when Ati-Zigi was unable to continue. His replacement, Benjamin Asare, was introduced just 46 minutes into the contest, making his debut at a major international tournament.
Ghana looked more purposeful after the break. Jonas Adjetey forced the team's first effort on target with a header, although it failed to trouble the Panama goalkeeper.
The introduction of Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante injected fresh energy into the Black Stars attack. Fatawu, in particular, caused problems with his direct running and drew a booking for Panama defender Cesar Blackman following a foul near the edge of the penalty area.
The West Africans continued to improve and almost found the breakthrough when Antoine Semenyo whipped a dangerous low cross towards Jordan Ayew, only for defender Ramos to make a crucial intervention.
Panama also threatened in the closing stages, with Cristian Martinez firing into the side netting as both teams searched for a winner.
Just when the match looked set to finish level, Ghana delivered a decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
A Panama attack broke down in the fifth minute of added time, allowing Ghana to launch a swift counterattack. Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank, skipped past a sliding challenge and delivered a low ball into the penalty area.
Yirenkyi, who had come into the side following Thomas Partey’s Canada entry denial, arrived at the perfect moment and calmly converted from close range to send the Ghana fans inside BMO Field into wild celebrations.
The dramatic winner secured a vital opening victory for the four-time African champions and ensured Panama were denied what would have been their first-ever World Cup point.
In the other Group L fixture, England defeated Croatia 4-2 to move to the top of the standings after the first round of matches, with Croatia sitting bottom.
Ghana will now shift their focus to a highly anticipated clash against England on June 23, while Panama take on Croatia in their next group game on the same day.