Toronto, June 18: Ghana kicked off the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a victory, defeating Panama 1-0 in their Group L match. The win came courtesy of a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi.
Panama started the match strong, with Amir Murillo delivering a low cross that set up Cecilio Waterman for a scoring opportunity. However, Ghana’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare made a spectacular diving save to deny him. Panama had another chance when Asare’s poor punch fell to Giovanni Ramos, but he too failed to convert.
Ghana responded with counter-attacks, and the second half saw aggressive play from both teams. Cristian Martinez attempted a shot on a loose ball, but it went into the side netting, leaving the score unchanged. Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz made two substitutions in the second half, which had an immediate impact.
Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante made a swift run down the right flank, delivering a brilliant pass to Jordan Ayew, but Panama’s defense managed to clear the threat. Despite ongoing efforts from both sides, the match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw. Thomas-Asante tried to break through Panama’s defense with a fantastic move from the left but was unsuccessful.
In the dying moments of the match, Caleb Yirenkyi scored the decisive goal for Ghana, marking his first international goal. This goal secured a 1-0 lead for Ghana. Despite several attempts from both teams, no further goals were scored, and Ghana successfully claimed the match.
Coach Carlos Queiroz achieved a notable milestone in this match, becoming only the second coach to lead different teams in five consecutive World Cups. He previously coached Portugal in 2010, Iran in 2014, Russia in 2018, Qatar in 2022, and now Ghana in 2026. Bora Milutinovic is the only other coach to have accomplished this feat.
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