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Jun 18, 20261
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Ghana Defeats Panama 1-0 in World Cup 2026 Group Stage
Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in a World Cup 2026 group stage match on June 18, 2026, with a goal from Yirenkyi in the 95th minute. The victory leaves Ghana needing just one point from their remaining matches to secure qualification for the round of 32.
Quick Facts
Who
Ghana national team
What
FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match
When
June 18, 2026
Where
World Cup 2026 venue
- FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match
- Ghana scored winning goal in 95th minute
- Yirenkyi scored from close range
- Thomas-Asante provided assist
- Ati-Zigi forced off at halftime
Ghana secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their World Cup 2026 group stage match, with a goal from Yirenkyi in the 95th minute proving decisive. The match, played on June 18, 2026, saw the Black Stars dominate possession and create more scoring opportunities, while Panama's attacking play deteriorated significantly in the second half.
The winning goal came after sustained pressure from Ghana in the closing stages. Brandon Thomas-Asante, the Coventry City midfielder, orchestrated the decisive move with incisive running down the left flank before cutting the ball back to Yirenkyi for a tap-in at the back post. Ghana's attack repeatedly tested Panama's defense throughout the match, with Thomas-Asante proving a particular threat with his creative play and movement through the middle.
Ghana's goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made a significant impact early in the match, producing a crucial save and bravely commanding his area to deny Panama early opportunities. However, he was forced to leave the field at halftime after absorbing contact, with Benjamin Asare stepping in as his replacement. Asare performed capably in the second half, including making a save late in the game before being involved in a brief confrontation with Panama's Harvey following a goalmouth scramble in stoppage time.
The victory puts Ghana in a strong position for qualification, as the team now needs only a point from their remaining group matches to secure a spot in the round of 32. Panama, conversely, must now pursue a winning result if they are to maintain their knockout round hopes. The match featured twelve minutes of stoppage time, with several stoppages interrupting play during the latter stages.
Why This Matters
Ghana's dramatic last-minute victory significantly boosts their World Cup qualification prospects, needing just one point from remaining matches to reach the knockout stage. The performance demonstrates Ghana's ability to control matches and convert late opportunities, while also exposing the team's goalkeeper depth as a potential concern heading into critical fixtures. For regional African football and the tournament's competitive balance, Ghana's strong positioning affects group dynamics and qualification probabilities.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireGhana vs Panama World Cup 2026 group stage match begins
Jun 18, 2026
WireLawrence Ati-Zigi forced off at halftime after absorbing contact
Jun 18, 2026
WireBenjamin Asare comes on as replacement goalkeeper
Jun 18, 2026
WireYirenkyi scores for Ghana in 95th minute to make it 1-0
Jun 18, 2026
WireConfrontation between teams in stoppage time involving Harvey and Asare
Jun 18, 2026
WireMatch ends 1-0 to Ghana