Ghana defeats Panama 1‑0 with stoppage‑time strike in World Cup 2026 group opener

Ghana secured a 1‑0 victory over Panama in the opening match of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Panama dominated early, controlling 64 % of possession and pressing aggressively, but were unable to convert chances. Ghana's efforts were sluggish in the first half, with Panama’s Cecilio Waterman and Christian Martinez missing key opportunities.

The deadlock was broken in added time of the first half when substitute Brandon Thomas‑Asante set up Caleb Yirenkyi, who headed the ball past the Panamanian goalkeeper. In the second half Ghana pressed higher, creating several attacks before the decisive moment. In the 90 + 12 minute, Yirenkyi received a precise pass from Thomas‑Asante and struck a powerful shot into the net, sealing a 1‑0 win. The result gives Ghana three points and positions them at the top of Group L alongside England, while Panama leaves the match winless.