Ghana won their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opening match against Panama 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal by 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) on June 18, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The winning goal came in the 95th minute during added time, delivering a dramatic finish to the match [1, 2, 4, 5]. Brandon Thomas-Asante assisted the goal by breaking through on the left flank and crossing to Yirenkyi, who scored the decisive strike [1, 2, 4].
Despite Panama holding 56% possession and outshooting Ghana 11 to 7 with 4 shots on target to Ghana's 2, they failed to convert their chances [2, 4]. Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera advanced for a late set piece in stoppage time but could not find an equalizer. Ghana's substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare made a key save during the chaotic final moments after replacing injured starter Lawrence Ati-Zigi near half time [2, 4, 6, 7].
Ghana played without influential midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied a visa amid legal issues, and also missed Mohammed Kudus due to injury [3, 8]. Coach Carlos Queiroz called the late winner "a dream come true" [2]. Panama captain Aníbal Godoy said the team’s goal was "not just to take part but to fight for our first World Cup win" (我們不是來湊數，而是要爭取隊史世界盃首勝) [3].
This was the first international meeting between Ghana and Panama [5, 6]. Panama suffered their second World Cup defeat after losing all group matches in their 2018 debut without scoring points [1, 7]. Ghana currently shares the top spot in Group L with England, each holding 3 points after the first round [2, 9, 6].
Ghana now prepares for their next group match following the narrow victory in Toronto [1, 3, 8].
