Yirenkyi’s Late Strike Hands Ghana Winning Start At World Cup 2026

Yirenkyi’s 90th-Minute Strike Hands Ghana Winning Start At World Cup 2026

Caleb Yirenkyi announced himself on the world stage with a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time as Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in their World Cup 2026 opener at Toronto Stadium. The 20-year-old scored his first international goal to seal all three points in a match Panama had dominated for long spells before the Black Stars found their rhythm.

Panama pushed for a late winner and got caught on the break. Their attack broke down and Brandon Thomas-Asante sprinted down the left wing before cutting the ball back for Yirenkyi. The Danish league Young Player of the Year scrambled the ball home to spark wild celebrations among the Ghanaian fans who had braved the rain.

“It’s what we’ve been practising in our preparations for the tournament,” Yirenkyi said after the game. “Scoring the goal is positive, but not just for me. There’s great support around the team for the young players.”

The strike set off a wave of celebrations that lasted long after the final whistle. Ghanaian supporters sang and danced in the Toronto rain, with new groups forming as the night went on. On the pitch, Ghana had to survive late pressure from Panama, but the defence held firm to protect Yirenkyi’s historic goal.

Coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team’s fight and intensity. “I feel tired. That says everything about the game. It was very intense,” he said. “The wins in this competition are expensive but the players showed they are willing to pay high prices for wins. We knew Panama are a wonderful team, but step by step we started to control the game and force them into mistakes.”

The result puts Ghana in a strong position in Group L, though a bigger test awaits. They face England on June 23rd in Boston, with the Three Lions sitting top of the group after a 4-2 win over Croatia. Queiroz warned his players not to be intimidated despite England’s firepower. “Football is very competitive now. The days of 5-0 and 6-0 are over. There have been so many draws at the World Cup. It shows the game is balanced.”

For Ghana, this is their fifth World Cup appearance. They haven’t reached the knockout stages since their famous run to the quarterfinals in 2010. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams for the first time, Yirenkyi’s late flourish could be the moment that launches another deep run.