W’Cup: Ghana Beat Panama 1-0, Diaz Shines in Colombia 3-1 Win Over Uzbekistan

Ghana recorded a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto on Wednesday.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending Ghana’s supporters into celebration after a tightly contested encounter that appeared destined to end without a winner.

The match began with Panama showing early attacking intent, as striker Cecilio Waterman forced Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi into action with a second-minute effort that was pushed away.

However, both teams struggled to create clear opportunities in the opening half, with Ghana failing to register a shot on target before the break.

The second half produced a more open contest, with both sides increasing their attacking efforts despite heavy rainfall at the Toronto Stadium.

Panama came close to breaking the deadlock when Cristian Martinez struck the side-netting in the 60th minute, sparking excitement among the large Panamanian support in the stands.

But Ghana eventually found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time when Yirenkyi bundled the ball into the net to secure all three points for the Black Stars.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz, who only took charge of the team a few months before the tournament, celebrated with supporters after the late winner.

The match also marked a milestone for Queiroz, as he became only the second coach to appear at five consecutive World Cups after previously managing Portugal and Iran at past editions.

Meanwhile, Colombia began their Group K campaign with a 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca.

Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz delivered a standout performance, contributing a goal and an assist while also hitting the post during the match.

Daniel Munoz opened scoring for Colombia after 40 minutes following Diaz’s brilliant pass, but Uzbekistan responded through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who scored his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Diaz restored Colombia’s lead with a powerful strike before Jaminton Campaz sealed victory with a late header.

The result moved Colombia to the top of their group, which also includes Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who played out a 1-1 draw earlier.