2026 World Cup: I'm so happy for the boys, says Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz after late win over Panama

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised his players following their narrow but hard-fought victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday night.

The Black Stars left it late to secure maximum points, with substitute midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi striking deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic win in Toronto.

In a tightly contested encounter, Ghana were pushed to their limits by a determined Panama side but showed resilience, composure and character to grind out a result in a match that appeared destined for a goalless draw.

The breakthrough came after substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante sparked a swift counterattack before delivering a well-timed pass into the box. Yirenkyi arrived at the right moment to calmly finish, sparking jubilant celebrations among Ghana supporters.

After the match, Queiroz, the former Real Madrid coach, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance while stressing the need to maintain focus.

"It means three points. That's it. We've won the first half, but now we still have to play the second and third halves of this important tournament. But I'm so happy for the boys. So happy," he said after the match.

Ghana now turn their attention to a crucial Group L clash against England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia four days later.

With three points already secured, Queiroz’s side will look to build momentum as they target a place in the knockout stages, a feat Ghana last achieved during their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.