World Cup debutant Caleb Yirenkyi announced himself on the global stage in style, scoring a 95th-minute winner as Ghana opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old midfielder, making his first appearance at the tournament, latched onto a late attack and fired low past Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejía to snatch all three points for the Black Stars in Group L.
Coach Carlos Queiroz opted for a blend of youth and experience. Marvin Senaya, Caleb Yirenkyi, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Ernest Nuamah all started, with captain Jordan Ayew leading the line in his third World Cup appearance.
The first half was cagey, with both sides cancelling each other out. Ghana grew into the game after the break. Antoine Semenyo and Nuamah caused problems on the wings while the defense held firm.
The breakthrough came deep into added time. Ghana drove through midfield and found Yirenkyi, who composed himself before slotting home on his World Cup debut.
Substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare had earlier kept Ghana level with a crucial 78th-minute save from Ismael Díaz. The backline of Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku and Gideon Mensah then stood firm to secure a clean sheet.
Impact substitutes Brandon Thomas-Asante, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kwasi Sibo and Kwabena Adu helped Ghana see out the win, replacing Kamal Deen Sulemana, Ayew, Elisha Owusu and Nuamah late on.
The result puts Ghana second in Group L after the opening round of matches. The Black Stars now turn their attention to a tougher test against England in Boston on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, before facing Croatia.
