< Back to all clusters
[SPORTS] · Canada, Ghana, Panama · 100 sources

Ghana defeats Panama 1-0 in World Cup opener

Ghana opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1‑0 victory over Panama in Group L at Toronto’s BMO Field on 17 June. The winning goal was scored in the fifth minute of injury time (95′) by 20‑year‑old midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, who finished a pass from substitute Brandon Thomas‑Asante. The match was played in heavy rain before a crowd of about 43 000.

Ghana were without veteran midfielder Thomas Partey, whose temporary Canadian visa was denied over a pending legal case in the United Kingdom. Coach Carlos Queiroz, in his first tournament with the Black Stars, became the second manager to appear in five World Cups after the win.

Panama dominated early possession and created more chances, but goalkeeper Lawrence Ati‑Zigi (replaced by Benjamin Asare after an injury) kept the score level until the late goal. The two sides also endured a scheduled hydration break despite mild temperatures, which Panama’s coach called unnecessary.

The result gave Ghana three points, placing them at the top of Group L behind England, and left Panama without points after their debut.

Sources

about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago
about 2 months ago