World Cup 2026: We can achieve something special, says Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz after late win over Panama

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz believes his side can “do something special” after a gritty opening victory over Panama in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The Black Stars began their Group L journey with a hard-fought 1-0 win at BMO Field in Toronto, where Caleb Yirenkyi struck late to secure all three points after a largely difficult performance in which Panama controlled much of the contest.

Despite the unconvincing display, Queiroz pointed to his team’s resilience as a sign of promise for the challenges ahead.

"With the ​football we played today, we can count on Ghana to do something," he said after the game.

Ghana were forced into an early setback when goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi suffered a collision and was replaced at half-time by Benjamin Asare.

Queiroz admitted uncertainty over Zigi’s availability for the upcoming clash against England.

"Not sure," Queiroz said. "It is early, and ​this kind of injury, ​it is only after 24 to 48 hours that we can be ​sure."

The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician only joined Ghana’s World Cup project in April, replacing Otto Addo, who was dismissed in March following a string of poor results. Queiroz was initially not expected to take charge at the tournament until his late appointment.

The win places Ghana second in Group L behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

Attention now turns to a decisive fixture against England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before Ghana wrap up their group stage against Croatia four days later. A positive start has raised hopes within the camp of progressing to the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 World Cup.