Ghana extend remarkable World Cup record with dramatic win over Panama

Ghana's dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has extended one of the Black Stars' most impressive records on football's biggest stage.

Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage-time winner in Toronto ensured Ghana continued a remarkable trend that has followed the national team throughout their World Cup history.

Since making their tournament debut in Germany in 2006, the Black Stars have never ended a FIFA World Cup campaign without earning at least one point.

The victory over Panama also means Ghana have now recorded at least one win in four of their five World Cup appearances, with the only exception coming in Brazil in 2014.

Although the Black Stars failed to win a match in that tournament, they still secured a memorable point after drawing 2-2 with eventual champions Germany in the group stage.

Ghana announced themselves on the global stage with victories over the Czech Republic and the United States in 2006 before reaching the Round of 16.

Four years later in South Africa, the Black Stars defeated Serbia and the United States on their way to becoming only the third African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

They returned to winning ways in Qatar in 2022 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over South Korea before adding another memorable success with Wednesday's late win against Panama.

The result also gives Carlos Queiroz's side a perfect start to their Group L campaign ahead of a crucial clash with England.

With three points already secured, the Black Stars remain firmly on course to challenge for a place in the knockout stages while preserving one of Africa's proudest World Cup records.