Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Luis Diaz starred as Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in an entertaining Group K encounter.
The Black Stars snatched all three points in stunning fashion at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal a hard-fought win over Panama.
Thousands of Ghanaian supporters erupted in celebration after an otherwise cagey contest appeared destined to end goalless.
Panama nearly took the lead in the second minute when striker Cecilio Waterman tested goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, whose outstretched save denied the Central Americans. Ghana struggled to create opportunities and failed to register a shot on target in the opening half.
The game became more lively after the break despite heavy rain. Panama’s Cristian Martinez almost broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, firing into the side netting to the delight of the large Panamanian crowd.
However, just as the match seemed headed for a draw, Yirenkyi bundled home the winner deep into stoppage time, handing Ghana a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.
Veteran coach Carlos Queiroz celebrated passionately with supporters after the goal. The Portuguese tactician, who took charge of Ghana only months before the tournament, became just the second coach to appear at five consecutive World Cups after previously leading Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
The Black Stars achieved the victory without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unavailable after Canadian authorities reportedly denied him a visa due to legal proceedings in Britain.
In Mexico City, Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz delivered a superb performance to inspire Colombia to a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca.
Diaz produced a goal, an assist and struck the post as Colombia overcame a spirited challenge from the World Cup newcomers in front of 80,824 fans.
His brilliant lofted pass set up Daniel Munoz, who volleyed Colombia ahead in the 40th minute.
Uzbekistan responded impressively through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who scored his country’s first-ever World Cup goal after reacting quickest to a rebound from Eldor Shomurodov’s effort.
Colombia regained the lead when Diaz fired a shot that slipped past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov, before Jaminton Campaz wrapped up the victory with a late header.
The win moved Colombia to the top of Group K after Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo played out a 1-1 draw earlier.
- Ghana 1-0 Panama – Caleb Yirenkyi (90+5)
- Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan – Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz, Jaminton Campaz; Abbosbek Fayzullaev
Ghana’s dramatic triumph and Luis Diaz’s brilliance ensured an exciting day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both African and South American sides making strong statements in their opening matches.
