Ghana’s Black Stars secured a precious opening victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the most dramatic of fashions, as substitute Caleb Yirenkyi struck deep into stoppage time to snatch a 1-0 win over Panama in their Group L opener at Toronto Stadium on Tuesday night. 

The late goal, which came in the 95th minute, capped a tense and largely frustrating evening for Carlos Queiroz’s side but delivered three vital points in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group alongside England and Croatia.

For long stretches of the contest, Panama looked the more likely side to break the deadlock. The Central Americans dominated the early exchanges, controlling 64 percent of possession in the first half and creating the clearest early opportunity when Cecilio Waterman tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi with a dangerous effort inside the opening two minutes, forcing a sharp diving save.

Panama’s physicality and organisational structure gave Ghana’s attack little room to breathe, with captain Jordan Ayew and forward, Antoine Semenyo struggling to impose themselves on a match Panama had set up to win.

Ghana’s difficulties were compounded by the absence of several key players. Thomas Partey was unavailable for selection, while Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu both missed the tournament through injury losses that stripped Queiroz’s midfield and defence of considerable quality and experience.

Ati-Zigi was forced off for treatment during the first half after a heavy collision with a Panama forward, though he recovered sufficiently to see out the game and proved his side’s most reliable performer throughout.

The match appeared destined for a goalless draw as the clock wound down into the final minutes of added time, with both sets of fans braced for the disappointment of a share of the spoils. But Yirenkyi, the Leicester City man who had come off the bench, produced the decisive moment of the match, latching onto a swift counter-attack and finishing with a composed cross-shot beyond the onrushing Panama goalkeeper to send the Black Stars’ supporters into jubilation.

The goal was Ghana’s first shot of real menace in the entire contest, yet it proved enough.

The victory is Ghana’s second consecutive win over Panama at a World Cup, having beaten the same opponents 2-1 at the previous tournament. More importantly, it gives Queiroz’s side an ideal platform to build on as they pursue their ambition of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since their iconic 2010 campaign on home soil.

Panama, meanwhile, remain winless at a World Cup and will need to regroup quickly as the group stage intensifies.