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Ghana Stuns Panama with 95th-Minute Winner in World Cup Group L Opener
Ghana claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their World Cup Group L opener in Toronto, with 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a 95th-minute winner assisted by Brandon Thomas-Asante. The victory places Ghana atop their group and denies Panama their first World Cup point.





Quick Facts
Who
Caleb Yirenkyi
What
Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in World Cup Group L opener
When
Wednesday, 18 June 2026
Where
Toronto, Canada
- Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in World Cup Group L opener
- Yirenkyi scored 95th-minute winning goal
- Thomas-Asante provided assist from left flank
- Ati Zigi made early save from Waterman
- Ati Zigi substituted at halftime due to collisions
Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their World Cup Group L opener on Wednesday at Toronto's BMO Field, with 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi scoring the decisive goal in the 95th minute. Coventry City's Brandon Thomas-Asante provided the decisive assist, finding Yirenkyi with a low cross from the left side after breaking through Panama's defense. The goal came as the latest winning goal of the 2026 World Cup to date, denying Panama their first-ever World Cup point in their fourth appearance at the tournament.
The match was a tightly contested affair with few clear-cut chances for either side. Panama's Cecilio Waterman had the only shot on goal in the first half, forcing Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi to make a save in the second minute. Ghana did not register a shot on goal during the opening 45 minutes as both teams played cautiously. Ati Zigi was substituted at halftime after sustaining multiple collisions and was replaced by Benjamin Asare. The second half saw more attacking play under steady rain, with Cristian Martinez firing a effort into the side-netting for Panama in the 60th minute, while Ghana's Jordan Ayew was denied a tap-in in the 65th minute by a last-ditch tackle from Jiovany Ramos.
Ghana's victory places them atop Group L following England's 4-2 win over Croatia earlier in the day. Coach Carlos Queiroz, who has now appeared in five consecutive World Cups (previously with Portugal in 2010, and Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022), emphasized his team's tactical approach after the match. "We battled like warriors," Queiroz said. "We won the game with our brains. First we had to suffer against a great team. They know how to play. We knew they would control the game. But step by step, our strategy was to let them come. This is the way to win."
Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey of Villarreal, who was denied entry into Canada due to pending rape charges in England while awaiting trial in Britain. The absence of the experienced midfielder meant Ghana had to adjust their midfield setup. Panama's remaining fixtures against England and Croatia suggest their path to progression will be challenging following this opening defeat. The crowd of nearly 43,000 at BMO Field included vocal support from both Ghanaian and Panamanian contingents, with boos ringing out during a second-half hydration break in the pouring rain.
Why This Matters
Ghana’s late win puts it in a strong early position in Group L and shows how a single stoppage-time chance can reshape qualification pressure. For readers following the tournament, the result matters because it affects group standings immediately, boosts Ghana’s momentum, and leaves Panama facing a tougher path in its next matches against England and Croatia.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireCecilio Waterman forces early save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi
Jun 18, 2026
WireLawrence Ati Zigi substituted at halftime due to collisions; Benjamin Asare replaces him
Entities
Sources
- World Cup Ghana Panama Score A7b51c791c7568710efbbad7da8570beapWireJun 18, 2026
- Ghana 1-0 Panama highlights - World Cup 2026 - 18 June 2024BBCMediaJun 18, 2026
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Ghana vs Panama Caleb Yirenkyi scores a 95th minute winnerBBCMediaJun 18, 2026
- Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in World Cup opener after injury-time winnerDawnMediaJun 18, 2026
- World Cup: Ghana 1-0 Panama - Caleb Yirenkyi scores 95th-minute winner for Carlos Queiroz’s side in Group L openerSky SportsMediaJun 18, 2026