2026 World Cup: We have been rehearsing that at the training ground - Caleb Yirenkyi opens up on winning goal against Panama

Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has disclosed that the move which produced his dramatic winner against Panama was the product of hours of work on the training pitch.

The FC Nordsjaelland star emerged as Ghana’s hero in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field in Toronto.

Yirenkyi struck late to hand the Black Stars all three points and ensure a winning start to their Group L campaign under head coach Carlos Queiroz.

The four-time African champions found it difficult to break down a disciplined Panama side for much of the contest, with clear-cut opportunities at a premium.

However, Ghana’s persistence eventually paid off as Yirenkyi finished off a move that had been carefully drilled during the team’s preparations for the tournament.

Reflecting on the goal after the match, the midfielder said the sequence was one the squad had repeatedly worked on in training sessions.

“I think that’s why we are practising a lot. We started our preparation to get the ball to the middle. And then put it in the box," Yirenkyi said.

“And then we get to run. And then the ball goes to the finish line. I think that’s what we’ve been doing," the 18 year oid added.

The victory gives Ghana an early advantage in Group L and boosts confidence ahead of two challenging fixtures against England and Croatia.

The Black Stars will return to action against England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.

Having already secured three valuable points, Ghana will be looking to build on their promising start and strengthen their bid to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.