Ghana Stuns Panama with 95th-Minute Winner in World Cup Group L Opener

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.