Quick take
Ghana left it until the very last seconds to break Panama hearts.
In a tense World Cup Group L opener, Ghana beat Panama 1-0 after Caleb Yirenkyi scored a dramatic winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Panama looked close to escaping with a point, but Ghana found one final counterattack and turned the match into one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far.
Current status
Status: Confirmed Match: Ghana 1-0 Panama Competition: #IFA World Cup 2026 Group: Group L Winning goal: Caleb Yirenkyi, 90+5’ Result: Ghana win and take three points Why it matters: Ghana start their World Cup campaign with a huge late win, while Panama suffer a painful opening defeat.
What happened?
The match looked like it was heading toward a goalless draw for most of the night.
Panama had strong moments, especially early on, and made the game uncomfortable for Ghana. They pressed, fought for second balls, and looked dangerous enough to believe they could take something from the match.
Ghana had to stay patient. The game was physical, tense, and difficult to control, but the Black Stars kept pushing until the final moments.
Then came the breakthrough.
In the 90+5th minute, Ghana launched one final attack and Caleb Yirenkyi finished the chance to make it 1-0. It was the type of goal that completely changes the mood of a group stage. Ghana went from being seconds away from frustration to walking away with all three points.
Why it matters
This is a massive result for Ghana.
In a short group stage, opening-match wins are huge. Ghana now have points on the board and momentum before their next Group L matches. Even if the performance was not perfect, the result gives them breathing room.
For Panama, it is the opposite feeling. They were close to earning a valuable draw, but losing in stoppage time makes the result feel even more painful. A point would have been important in a group with England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Instead, Panama now have to respond quickly.
That is why this late winner matters so much. It was not just a dramatic goal. It changed the group picture immediately.
The bigger picture
Ghana’s win puts them in a stronger position early in Group L.
The Black Stars still have difficult matches ahead, but this result gives them confidence and a platform to build from. Late winners can also create belief inside a team, especially at a World Cup where momentum matters.
Panama now face pressure. They competed well enough to stay in the match, but the final result leaves them with no points after game one. Their next match becomes even more important if they want to stay alive in the group.
Related ForfeitMedia coverage
Follow more updates in the World Cup 2026 section, where ForfeitMedia tracks match results, group standings, late goals, and major tournament moments.
You can also explore more football coverage and World Cup stories for reactions, explainers, and key results from the tournament.
Bottom line
Ghana found a way to win when it mattered most.
Panama were seconds away from a hard-fought point, but Caleb Yirenkyi’s 90+5’ winner gave Ghana a dramatic 1-0 victory and a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.
