World Cup 2026: Carlos Queiroz hails Ghana’s resilience after dramatic Panama win

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz praised his players' resilience after Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time strike secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in the Black Stars’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder scored in the fifth minute of added time at BMO Field in Toronto, finishing from close range after Brandon Thomas-Asante led a swift counter-attack and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area.

The victory gave Ghana a winning start in Group L despite the absence of midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unavailable after being denied entry into Canada, and the loss of goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi at half-time following a collision late in the opening period.

Panama dominated large portions of the first half and repeatedly tested the Ghana defence, but Ati Zigi produced a series of important saves before being forced off.

After the match, Queiroz admitted his side had expected a difficult evening against a well-drilled opponent.

"First half was to suffer against a great team. They know how to play, they know how to do things. We knew, we knew that they would control the game.

"But step by step, this was our strategy. To let them come and start to make the control, control, control, until we scored. Because this is the way to win."

The result puts Ghana in a strong position ahead of their next group fixture against England in Boston on June 23, while Panama will attempt to recover when they face Croatia in Toronto.