Ghana edges Panama 1-0 with stoppage-time goal in World Cup opener

Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match in Toronto on 17 June 2026. Caleb Yirenkyi scored the winning goal in stoppage time, his first international goal, after Ghana had spent much of the match struggling to create clear openings against a determined Panama side.

The result gave Ghana three points in its opening game of the tournament and placed the four-time African champions level on points with England at the top of Group L. Ghana is coached by Carlos Queiroz. Antoine Semenyo was named Player of the Match for a tireless display that troubled Panama's defense throughout the contest.

The 26-year-old Bournemouth forward said the late goal produced an emotion he could not fully describe.

"Ninety minutes + five... I don't even know how to describe that emotion," Semenyo said when asked by FIFA about the moment that sent Black Stars fans into raptures in the stands. " Semenyo praised the physical contest and said Panama provided the type of challenge Ghana expected.

"They [Panama] had some quite big guys to be honest, but we like that physicality," he explained. " Despite the celebrations, Semenyo stressed that the job is far from finished. "I am so happy to say that we've got that win, but we can't take our foot off the gas," he said.

Ghana's next match is against England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia. Semenyo said the encounter will carry an added personal dimension because he has spent his entire club career in England and will face several familiar Premier League faces. "Of course, they're my friends and there's love there, but now it's just time to focus," he said.

"We had a little bit of banter before we left for the World Cup, but I don't think there is going to be any more. I don't think I will be texting anybody from the England team. If they text me, then I'll reply.