World Cup 2026: Panama's nightmare continues as Ghana snatches late victory

Panama's torrid relationship with the FIFA World Cup shows no signs of letting up as their poor record was compounded with a painful defeat against the Black Stars.

The Central Americans were left heartbroken once again on Wednesday night, as Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage‑time goal handed Ghana a 1‑0 victory in their Group L opener at BMO Field in Toronto.

It was a result that extended Panama's miserable tournament record to four defeats from four matches — and they are still searching for their first-ever point on football's biggest stage.

Dominant but unrewarded

The Canaleros will feel they deserved more. They controlled large spells of the match, created the better chances, and had Ghana on the back foot for much of the contest.

José Fajardo and Edgar Bárcenas both came agonisingly close in the first half, while Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati‑Zigi was forced into several important saves.

But as has so often been the case in their brief World Cup history, Panama's profligacy in front of goal was punished. Yirenkyi, making his tournament debut at just 20 years old, pounced on a loose ball inside the box in the 92nd minute to snatch all three points for the Black Stars.

A history of World Cup heartbreak

Panama's World Cup story is one of near‑misses and painful lessons. They made their debut in 2018, losing all three group matches: 3‑0 to Belgium, 6‑1 to England, and 2‑1 to Tunisia. The goal against Tunisia was a consolation, but it remains their only World Cup strike to date.

Now, with this latest defeat, the pattern continues. They arrived at the 2026 tournament with hopes of rewriting history, but the same old story unfolded: promise, pressure, and then punishment.

What's next for Panama?

The road ahead does not get any easier. Panama face Croatia on June 23, followed by a daunting clash with England on June 27. Both matches will be played in the United States, but the Canaleros will need to rediscover their cutting edge quickly if they are to avoid a second consecutive World Cup without a single point.

For Ghana, the victory is a dream start to their campaign. For Panama, it's another chapter in a World Cup nightmare that simply refuses to end.