FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana beat Panama in dramatic stoppage time
Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time as Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in rainy Toronto on Wednesday.
The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of the second half when Ghana launched a quick counter-attack from their own half. Brandon Thomas-Asante raced down the left wing and drove into the penalty area before straightening the ball for Yirenkyi, who arrived unmarked to tap home the winner.
Ghana vs Panama, FIFA World Cup 2026: UPDATES
A late strike settled a game that saw few clear-cut chances for much of the evening. Panama were the more threatening side in the first half, while Ghana improved significantly after the break and had more control of possession.
The game was seen as crucial for both sides in a group that also featured England and Croatia. Earlier in the day, England beat Croatia 4-2, making Ghana’s victory an important boost in their battle for qualification from Group L.
Panama almost got off to the perfect start when Cecilio Waterman tested goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi with a 15-yard volley in the second minute, but the Ghanaian striker reacted sharply to push the effort away. Panama continued to probe and came close again in the 38th minute when Jiovany Ramos fired wide after Ati Zigi headed home a dangerous cross.
Ghana suffered a setback at half-time when Ati Zigi went off through injury and was replaced between the sticks by Benjamin Asare.
The Black Stars struggled to create chances before the break and failed to register a single shot in the opening 45 minutes, becoming the first team in this year’s tournament to do so. Their first attempt came three minutes after the restart when Jonas Adjetey’s header was comfortably saved by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
Despite a better display in the second half, Ghana looked set to be frustrated until Yirenkyi’s late intervention sparked celebrations from the away side.
Ghana entered the tournament without influential midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unable to enter Canada after being denied a visa due to pending sexual assault charges in England. Partey has denied the allegations and is expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group stage matches in the United States.
The win marked a positive start for Ghana, who will be making their fifth World Cup appearance in the last six editions. Their best finish remains the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.
For Panama, who are making only their second appearance at the World Cup after losing all three of their group stage matches in 2018, the defeat was a painful setback after an encouraging performance.
Ghana will face England in Foxborough on Tuesday, while Panama will remain in Toronto to face Croatia.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
18 Jun 2026 07:19 IST