Ghana opened their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama in Group L, with Yirenkyi scoring a late winner to decide a tight contest.
The narrow victory gives Ghana an early boost in the group phase, while Panama were left to rue a late setback after holding out for much of the match.
Late breakthrough settles Group L clash
The match remained goalless deep into the game as both sides battled for control and, crucially, for points in their opening Group L fixture.
With the contest still level late on, Ghana found the decisive moment through Yirenkyi, whose late goal proved enough to separate the teams and secure all three points.
That strike ultimately broke Panama hearts, turning what looked set to be a hard-earned result into a narrow defeat.
What the result means for Ghana and Panama
Ghana’s 1-0 win delivers an important early statement in Group L, where fine margins can shape qualification hopes across the group stage.
For Panama, the defeat is a frustrating start, with the match decided by a single late moment. They will now need to respond in their remaining Group L fixtures to keep their tournament ambitions on track.
Ghana, meanwhile, can take confidence from seeing out the contest after taking the lead late, banking a clean sheet and a winning start to their World Cup 2026 group campaign.