Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in a tightly contested match held in Toronto, marking the opening game of Group Twelve in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for North America. The decisive goal came in the fifth minute of added time, scored by Ghanaian player Kalib Yerenky. The game was characterized by its competitive and physical nature, with both teams battling for dominance. This victory places Ghana in second position within their qualifying group. The match represents the first round of competition for the 2026 tournament, jointly hosted across North America. The result provides a positive start for Ghana’s campaign to qualify for the expanded World Cup.