Yirenkyi’s late strike gives Black Stars three points in Toronto

Ghana opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L opener at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, on Thursday. A stoppage-time strike from 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi, following a brilliant solo run and assist by substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante, earned the Black Stars all three points. Head coach Carlos Queiroz named Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal ahead of Benjamin Asare, with Jordan Ayew captaining the side.

Panama dominated the opening stages and almost broke the deadlock in the second minute, but Ati-Zigi produced a fine save to deny Cecilio Waterman. Ghana struggled to gain control in the first half, with Yirenkyi receiving a yellow card before the break. Ati-Zigi was forced off injured at the start of the second half and was replaced by Asare, who became the first goalkeeper from the Ghana Premier League to feature in a FIFA World Cup match. Ghana improved after the interval, with Jonah Adjetey and Yirenkyi both going close before the introduction of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Thomas-Asante added urgency to the attack.

The Black Stars were denied a penalty after Jerome Opoku went down inside the penalty area, while Adjetey headed wide from a Jordan Ayew free-kick late in the game. Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, Thomas-Asante burst into the Panama penalty area and squared the ball for Yirenkyi to calmly slot home the winner in stoppage time. The victory gives Ghana a perfect start to their Group L campaign ahead of their second match against England on June 27, where a positive result could secure qualification to the knockout stage.