World Cup 2026: Five things we learned as Ghana beat Panama in opener

The Black Stars of Ghana got off to a bright start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Panama in Toronto on Wednesday evening. 

Caleb Yirenkyi- who was making his tournament debut- rolled the ball home late to secure all three points for the West Africans after a brilliant work on the flanks by second-half substitute Brandon Thomas Asante.

The Black Stars will return to the United States to prepare for the game against England in Boston on June 23.

However, these are the five things GHANASoccernet learned from the game.

Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ernest Nuamah struggle 

Wingers Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ernest Nuamah were off their best. Sulemana started as the second forward behind captain Jordan Ayew, and on many occasions struggled to keep the ball to his feet and put in a couple of missed passes. Meanwhile, Nuamah looked to be struggling with fitness. He was easily shrugged off the ball many times. The duo had to be subbed off early in the second half.

Second half substitutes shine

After the break, coach Carlos Queiroz brought on Brandon Thomas-Asante and Fatawu Issahaku for Nuamah and Sulemana. The decision immediately offered Ghana a bite in attack. Thomas-Asante came close to breaking the deadlock moments before delivering the match-winning assist. Later on, Queiroz replaced Ayew with Prince Kwabena Adu, with Kwasi Sibo coming on for Elisha Owusu, adding solidity to the midfield.

Thomas Partey missed 

Despite the victory, Thomas Partey's absence was hugely felt as the Black Stars struggled to control the midfield. The midfield was a pair of inexperienced Yirenkyi and Elisha Owusu. The duo were playing together as starters for the first time. This allowed Panama to dominate Ghana in that department.

Adjetey and Opoku form a solid partnership 

One of Ghana's main headaches was the absence of experienced centre-backs Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu. There were questions about which two would replace them, but Jonas Adjetey and Jerome Opoku filled in the gap. The duo were aerially outstanding and defended resolutely to deny the attack of Panama on countless occasions.

Caleb Yirenkyi proves quality 

Although he was jittery at the beginning, the FC Nordsjaelland midfielder showed why he is one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe. Yirenkyi was all over in the middle of the Park, and crowned his performance with a deserved winner. Yireknyi is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. With the way he is playing, it will not be long before he leaves Denmark.