World Cup debutant Caleb Yirenkyi marked his first appearance with the winning goal as Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener on Wednesday at BMO Field.

Marvin Senaya, Caleb Yirenkyi, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, and Ernest Nuamah all started for Ghana in a line-up that mixed youth with experience, led by captain Jordan Ayew in his third World Cup appearance.

After a tight first half, the decisive moment came in the 95th minute. The Ghanaian attack drove through midfield before finding Caleb Yirenkyi, who fired low past Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejía to score on his World Cup debut and give Ghana the lead.

Substitute Benjamin Asare preserved the advantage with a key save from Ismael Díaz in the 78th minute, while the defensive quartet of Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku and Gideon Mensah stood firm to secure a clean sheet.

Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah provided threat on the wings, with captain Ayew leading the line as Ghana controlled the second half to claim three vital points in Group L.

Brandon Thomas-Asante, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kwasi Sibo, and Kwabena Adu made a huge impact in the second half as they came on Kamal Deen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Elisha Owusu Ernest Nuamah. The result puts Ghana second in Group L ahead of matches against England and Croatia.

Ghana will take on England in Boston on Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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