Ghana Snatch Late dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their 2026 FIFA World Cup

For 94 minutes, the clash between Ghana and Panama looked destined to be remembered as the dullest game of the tournament. But deep into stoppage time, Caleb Yirenkyi popped up with a decisive finish to hand Ghana a crucial win in Group L.

Contents

Player Ratings

Ghana
Panama

Match Statistics

The result means Ghana join England on three points, England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began with fireworks as they a pulsating 4-2 win over Croatia, while Panama were left devastated, having been minutes away from securing their first-ever World Cup point.

Softfootball gathered that Panama had the better of the first half, but Ghana grew into the game after the interval and were rewarded for their persistence.

Ghana fans at the world Cup (Photo credit: Ajazeera media)

With Croatia and England still to come, Panama’s outlook is bleak, while Ghana’s late winner exponentially improves their odds of progressing to the knockout stages.

Player Ratings

Ghana

Player	Rating
Lawrence Ati-Zigi	6
Gideon Mensah	6
Jerome Opoku	6
Jonas Adjetey	7
Marvin Senaya	7
Antoine Semenyo	6
Elisha Owusu	6
Caleb Yirenkyi	8 (Man of the Match)
Ernest Nuamah	6
Kamaldeen Sulemana	6
Jordan Ayew	6
Subs: Benjamin Asare (6), Abdul Fatawu (6), Brandon Thomas-Asante (7), Kwasi Sibo (6), Prince Adu (5)

Panama

Player	Rating
Orlando Mosquera	6
Andres Andrade	7
Jose Cordoba	7
Jiovany Ramos	7
Cesar Blackman	6
Yoel Barcenas	6
Carlos Harvey	6
Amir Murillo	7
Jose Luis Rodriguez	7
Cecilio Waterman	5
Cristian Martinez	6
Subs: Azarias Londoño (6), Jose Fajardo (6), Ismael Diaz (6), Anibal Godoy (5)