World Cup: Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time strike gives Ghana winning start over Panama

Ghana began their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama after Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into added time at Toronto Stadium on Thursday morning, June 18, 2026.

Match report

The Black Stars appeared destined to settle for a draw before Yirenkyi struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time, securing all three points for Carlos Queiroz’s side and leaving Panama empty-handed.

Panama threatened first and nearly opened the scoring when Amir Murillo delivered a low ball into the penalty area for Cecilio Waterman. However, Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare reacted brilliantly, diving to deny the forward from close range.

The Central Americans continued to create opportunities and came close again after an error from Asare. The goalkeeper’s attempted clearance fell kindly to defender Jiovany Ramos, but he failed to capitalize, sending his effort over the crossbar despite having time and space.

After the break, Panama remained dangerous. Cristian Martinez collected a loose ball inside the box, created room with a clever piece of footwork and fired towards goal, only to see his shot hit the side netting.

Looking to inject fresh energy into his team, Queiroz made two substitutions shortly before the hour mark. The changes almost had an immediate impact when Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the flank and delivered a pass across the face of goal for Jordan Ayew. Just as the Ghana captain looked set to score, Ramos recovered brilliantly to make a crucial block.

As the match entered its closing stages, both teams seemed prepared to accept a point. However, Ghana found a decisive breakthrough in added time. Thomas-Asante surged into the penalty area and squared the ball for Yirenkyi, who calmly finished from close range to register his first goal for the national team.

The late strike earned Ghana a valuable victory and denied Panama their first-ever point at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Group L standings

England – 3 points

Ghana – 3 points

Panama – 0 points

Croatia – 0 points

Notable record

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has now managed teams at five consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments. His World Cup coaching journey includes Portugal in 2010, Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and Ghana in 2026. He joins Bora Milutinovic as the second coach to achieve this feat.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana) was named Player of the Match after displaying an impressive show.