Ghana opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto on June 17, with substitute Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in the 95th minute to give the Black Stars a dramatic three points in Group L.
The match was laboured for most of its running time. Ghana controlled possession without finding a decisive moment, and Panama — who came into the tournament without a single World Cup point in their history — defended with enough organisation to frustrate the African side for 94 minutes.
The winner came from a move down the left flank. Thomas-Asante broke free, drove into the penalty area and cut the ball back for Yirenkyi, who tapped home his first international goal in front of a crowd at BMO Field. Panama had no time to respond. The final whistle confirmed Ghana’s first World Cup win since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals.
Panama have now lost all four of their World Cup appearances without earning a single point. Their exit from Group L looks likely after this result. Ghana’s victory puts them level on points with England and Croatia, who also played in the group on June 17 in Arlington, Texas, in a match the World Cup’s group stage framework will sort out over the coming days.
The 2026 World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it the largest tournament in history by stadium count and estimated audience reach. Ghana’s win over Panama was one of several Group Stage results on June 17. The tournament opened in Mexico City earlier this month. The DR Congo vs Portugal match produced a 1-1 draw earlier in the competition. Full group standings and match schedules are available on the FIFA official website. India Women are also in World Cup action this month — their record 209-run total against Netherlands made headlines at the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Ghana will face their next group stage opponent in the days ahead. A win in the opening game gives them a platform — the rest depends on how England and Croatia sort out the other side of Group L.
