Yirenkyi’s late heroics earn Ghana victory as Colombia cruise past Uzbekistan in World Cup opener

Ghana and Colombia opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns with victories on Tuesday, as Caleb Yirenkyi struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner for the Black Stars against Panama, while Luis Díaz inspired Colombia to a commanding win over Uzbekistan.

The results strengthened both teams’ hopes of advancing from their respective groups as the opening round of matches at the expanded 48-team tournament came to a close.

Ghana secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L opener at BMO Field in Toronto, thanks to a late goal from 20-year-old midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi.

The Black Stars were forced to cope without experienced midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unavailable for the match. Panama started brightly and nearly took an early lead when Cecilio Waterman tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi within the opening minutes.

Despite several attacking attempts from both sides, neither team managed to break the deadlock in difficult, rain-soaked conditions.

Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, Ghana found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time. Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank before delivering a low cross into the penalty area, where Yirenkyi arrived unmarked to steer the ball past Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera in the 95th minute.

The dramatic winner handed Ghana all three points and moved the Black Stars level with England at the top of Group L after the Three Lions defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier in the day.

Speaking after the match, Yirenkyi described the goal as a dream moment in his World Cup debut.

Colombia Take Control of Group K

At the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Colombia overcame tournament debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 to take an early lead in Group K.

The South Americans dominated possession throughout much of the contest but struggled to break down a disciplined Uzbek defence until the 40th minute. Liverpool winger Luis Díaz delivered a precise pass over the defence, allowing Daniel Muñoz to volley home the opening goal.

Uzbekistan responded strongly after halftime and made history in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, heading in after a rebound fell kindly inside the penalty area.

However, Colombia restored their advantage five minutes later. Díaz, who was influential throughout the match, unleashed a low effort that slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and crossed the line to make it 2-1.

The South Americans sealed victory deep into stoppage time when substitute Jaminton Campaz headed home from a cross by fellow substitute Juan Camilo Hernández, popularly known as Cucho Hernández.

The victory places Colombia top of Group K following Portugal’s surprise 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Group Standings

Group K

1. Colombia – 3 pts
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 1 pt
3. Portugal – 1 pt
4. Uzbekistan – 0 pts

Group L

1. England – 3 pts
2. Ghana – 3 pts
3. Panama – 0 pts
4. Croatia – 0 pts

With the opening round complete, attention now shifts to the second set of group-stage fixtures, where Ghana will look to build on their dramatic victory and Colombia will seek to strengthen their position atop Group K.