Panama dominates for long stretches, but Ghana steals all three points in the 95th minute thanks to the 2006-born midfielder’s decisive tap-in.
Ghana snatched one of the most dramatic victories of Matchday 1 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Panama 1-0 with a heartbreaking stoppage-time winner from teenage midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi.
For 95 minutes, Panama looked the better team. Thomas Christiansen’s side controlled possession, created the clearest chances and appeared destined to earn at least a point in its Group L opener. Instead, the Black Stars punished their wastefulness with virtually their only meaningful chance on target.
It was a cruel ending for Panama, whose energetic display deserved more. Yet football often rewards efficiency over aesthetics, and Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana side found a way to win despite producing a largely uninspiring performance.
The victory also marked an important milestone for Ghana. After a seven-match winless streak and the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, the Black Stars finally returned to winning ways under veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, who is managing at his fifth consecutive World Cup after previous appearances with Portugal and Iran.
Panama started brightly and nearly found an early breakthrough when Cecilio Waterman connected with a dangerous delivery, forcing Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a smart save. Fidel Ramos later fired over the crossbar as the Central Americans continued to dominate.
Remarkably, Ghana failed to register a single shot during the first half, becoming the first team at this World Cup to go into halftime without attempting an effort on goal.
Queiroz reacted decisively at the break, replacing his injured goalkeeper and introducing fresh attacking options. The changes improved Ghana considerably.
Defender Jonas Adjetey twice threatened from set pieces, while the introductions of Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante added pace and movement in the final third. Jordan Ayew also came close, only to be denied by a timely intervention from José Córdoba.
Still, Panama refused to retreat. Ramos remained dangerous, and the match became increasingly open during the final stages as both teams chased a winner.
Then came the decisive moment.
Five minutes into stoppage time, Antoine Semenyo launched a quick attack and found Thomas-Asante on the right wing. The Coventry City striker showed great composure, delaying his pass before squaring perfectly for Yirenkyi, who had started the move himself and arrived unmarked to tap into an empty net.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Ghanaian players while Panama’s players collapsed to the turf in disbelief.
It may not have been a deserved victory, but for Ghana it was undoubtedly a precious one, placing the Black Stars level with England atop Group L after Matchday 1.
Match Report: Ghana 1-0 Panama
Goal: 90+5′ Yirenkyi (GHA)
Assist: Thomas-Asante
Ghana (4-2-3-1): Ati-Zigi (46′ Asare); Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Semenyo, Owusu (33′ Sibo); Yirenkyi, Nuamah (58′ Fatawu), Sulemana (58′ Thomas-Asante); Ayew (87′ Adu).
Head Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera; Blackman (90′ Godoy), Ramos, Córdoba; Andrade, Murillo, Harvey, Martínez (63′ Londoño); José Luis Rodríguez (74′ Ismael Díaz), Bárcenas, Waterman (63′ Fajardo).
Head Coach: Thomas Christiansen
Referee: Nyberg
Yellow Cards: Yirenkyi (G), Blackman (P), Harvey (P)
Red Cards: None
Venue: Morristown, New Jersey – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L
