Ghana Secures Dramatic Stoppage-Time Victory Over Panama in World Cup 2026 Group L

Ghana Snatches Win Against Panama With Last-Minute Goal

Ghana didn't deliver its strongest performance, yet Caleb Yirenkyi emerged as the decisive figure. In the 95th minute, he scored the only goal of the match, handing Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L showdown at the World Cup 2026.

Earlier in the day, England triumphed over Croatia with a 4-2 scoreline, putting them alongside Ghana at three points each in the group.

Key Moments and Players

The breakthrough for Ghana began with Brandon Thomas-Asante, who skillfully bypassed a defender to deliver the ball into Panama's penalty area. From there, Yirenkyi found the net, marking Ghana’s latest winning goal during regulation time in their World Cup history. The jubilation was clear among fans and players alike.

Match Statistics and Impact

Panama dominated possession with 63% compared to Ghana's 37%, also taking more shots (11 to Ghana’s 8). They created superior scoring opportunities through much of the match but couldn't capitalize. Ghana gradually gained momentum after halftime and finally capitalized on sharp passing sequences late in the game.

This result denied Panama their first-ever World Cup point; the team had previously lost all three matches during their debut in 2018. Instead, Ghana now holds a strong position to advance from the group.

Upcoming Challenges

Ghana faces England on June 23, followed by a must-win encounter against Croatia on June 27. These games will be critical for their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.