Ghana kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in dramatic fashion after Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner to seal a 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L opener.
Just when the match appeared destined to end in a goalless draw, Yirenkyi emerged as Ghana’s hero, finding the net deep into added time to hand the Black Stars all three points and ignite celebrations among the Ghanaian faithful.
Panama had frustrated Ghana for much of the contest and even looked the more dangerous side in the opening exchanges. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was called into action several times before being forced off at half-time following an earlier collision.
As the game wore on, both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. However, substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante made a decisive impact in the dying moments, launching a swift attack before setting up Yirenkyi, who calmly finished to secure a priceless victory.
The result puts Ghana level on points with England at the top of Group L and gives Carlos Queiroz’s men an early advantage in the race for a place in the knockout stages.
Fun Facts, Records and Statistics
Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 95th minute to register Ghana’s latest-ever World Cup goal.
• The strike surpassed Asamoah Gyan’s previous record, whose famous winner against the United States in 2010 came in the 93rd minute.
• Yirenkyi’s goal was his first competitive international goal for Ghana.
• Ghana avoided what would have been their first-ever goalless draw at a FIFA World Cup.
• Panama were seconds away from earning their first-ever World Cup point before Yirenkyi’s intervention denied them a historic result.
• Panama remain without a point in World Cup history, having lost all four matches across their appearances at the tournament.
• Ghana have now won their opening match in consecutive World Cup appearances, having also started with victory in 2022.
• Brandon Thomas-Asante’s introduction from the bench proved decisive, providing the assist for the winning goal.The Black Stars will next face England in a crucial Group L showdown, while Panama must regroup quickly ahead of their clash against Croatia.
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