Ghana stuns Panama with stoppage-time goal in World Cup opener

Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Ghana a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday night, breaking the hearts of a Panama side that had come within moments of securing a point in their second-ever World Cup appearance.aljazeera+1

A Match of Few Chances

The game was played in rainy conditions in Toronto, and clear scoring opportunities were scarce for both sides throughout the 90 minutes. Panama set up in a disciplined defensive structure that frustrated Ghana for much of the match, limiting the Black Stars to few clear-cut chances. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made a key diving save to preserve the deadlock on his end.france24+3

The breakthrough came deep into added time when Brandon Thomas-Asante broke free on the left flank and delivered a cross into the box. Yirenkyi was positioned to tap in the finish, sparking wild celebrations among the Ghanaian players and fans. A scuffle broke out between the two sets of players shortly after the goal before the referee blew the final whistle.aljazeera+1

Group L Takes Shape

Ghana's win puts them level on three points with England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier on Wednesday in Dallas behind a Harry Kane brace and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. The results leave Panama and Croatia searching for points heading into the second round of fixtures.nytimes+1

Ghana are set to face England on Tuesday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, while Panama will take on Croatia back in Toronto. For Panama, making just their second World Cup appearance after their debut in 2018, the late defeat was a cruel conclusion to what had been a resolute defensive performance.aljazeera

"Following the goal, a scuffle ensued just before the referee signaled the end of the match," Al Jazeera reported, capturing the chaotic final moments of a tense encounter.aljazeera