Ghana 1-0 Panama - 2026 FIFA World Cup result as Caleb Yirenkyi nets 95th minute winner

Ghana left it late to claim a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, with Caleb Yirenkyi striking in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure three crucial World Cup points.

After 90 minutes that produced only a handful of chances at either end, the deadlock was finally broken deep into added time. Brandon Thomas-Asante burst into space down the left before driving a low cross into the path of Yirenkyi, who could not miss from close range and hammered beyond the helpless Orlando Mosquera.

Panama had burst out of the blocks in the first half, producing the best chance of the opening 45 in just the second minute. Cecilio Waterman’s crackshot from the edge of the box tested Ghana’s Ati Zigi who met the ball with an athletic punch. The goalkeeper was alert to plenty in the first period, to the extent that he took a few too many blows and was unable to return to the field after half-time. At the other end of the pitch, his team-mates were effectively neutralised, managing just four touches in their opponents’ box in the entire first half.

It was a different story after the break, with Jonas Adjetey notching a first in the shots on target column for Ghana with a solid albeit unspectacular header towards goal on 48 minutes. Their next big opportunity came shortly before the hydration break, as Antoine Semenyo fired across a sumptuous daisy-cutter from the right. Jordan Ayew seemed to be a strong favourite but for the brilliance of Jiovany Ramos, denying him with an inch-perfect slide tackle that deflected the ball the safe side of the post.

The contest remained open and competitive, but while both sides showed attacking intent, neither could find the quality required in the final third. As the clock ticked down, the match appeared destined to end in a draw that would do little for either team's hopes.

Instead, Panama were the side left heartbroken. In the 95th minute, Thomas-Asante found space on the left flank and surged towards the byline before drilling a precise pass across the six-yard box. Yirenkyi arrived at speed and, from point-blank range, made no mistake, smashing home to spark wild celebrations among the Ghana players and supporters.

Ghana will next face England on Tuesday, knowing that anything other than defeat would almost certainly send them into the knockout stages.

Ghana had no shots in the first half, and seven in the second. Ghana changed things up in the second 45 and kept going for the duration. I don't think they showed much as a team that will trouble England, but there a few players who Tuchel will want to keep an eye on.

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An elated Carlos Queiroz gallops onto the pitch, his team seemingly having stolen it from under Panamanian noses. That gets Ghana's World Cup well and truly up and running, into second place in Group L, and gives them every chance of making the knock-out phase. That must be devastating for Panama, who played very well for much of the game, and just took their eye off the ball at the death.

Christiansen sends his keeper up who meets the free kick with a reasonable enough header, directed down but dealt with. Ghana don't care for the challenge and there's pandemonium in the Black Stars' box.

They might have settled for the draw, but Ghana hadn't and that lack of concentration is what cost them.

That's got to be the winner! Thomas Asante burst down the left and slid the ball into the middle where young Caleb Yirkenkyi just needed to tap it home. He'll never score an easier goal than that.

Probing passes, looking for holes in the Panama defense, but the Canaleros have kept their heads.

And it wouldn't have counted, because there's a late flag. It was a tight offside call, so there'd be an inquest if he'd made the net bulge.

Which rather sums up the night. No pressure, but no final product.

Which won't really help either side, neither of which seem strong enough to take points from Croatia or England. To go through as one of the best third place teams will take goals.

And the ball ends up with Carlos Harvey on the right of the Ghana half, but it's a tired pull back that's easily cut out.

Apart from the odd misstep, neither back line has been lacking. It's not made for thrills, but we should acknowledge that defending is as much part of the craft as creating chances.

Kwasi Sibo on for Elisha Owusu.

A third substitution for Panama, who haven't quite had things go their way as much in this half as the first.

It was a half opportunity, and he apologies for the unforced error.

He allowed Fatawu to get goalside of him and then clattered him to the floor as he looked to recover the position. A chance from a set-piece for Ghana here.

And it's another nice ball in from Antoine Semenyo. Mosquera had to hold it well, and he does.