Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed optimism that his side can achieve something significant at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after opening their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.
The four-time African champions were second best for long spells at BMO Field but still managed to claim all three points, with Caleb Yirenkyi striking a late winner to seal the result despite sustained pressure from the Central American side.
Speaking after the match, Queiroz suggested the performance—though uneven—hinted at greater possibilities for his team.
“With the ​football we played today, we can count on Ghana to do something,” the former Egypt, Iran and Colombia boss told the press after the game.
Ghana were forced into a first-half change in goal after Ati-Zigi suffered a collision, paving the way for Benjamin Asare to step in after the break.
Queiroz admitted uncertainty over the goalkeeper’s availability for the next fixture against England.
“Not sure,” Queiroz said. “It is early, and ​this kind of injury, ​it is only after 24 to 48 hours that we can be ​sure.”
The 73-year-old, who was not initially expected to lead Ghana at the tournament, only took charge in April after the dismissal of Otto Addo following a string of poor results.
The win places Ghana second in Group L behind England, who began their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Attention now turns to a decisive Group L showdown with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before Ghana conclude their group stage against Croatia four days later.
The result offers Ghana a timely boost in their bid to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
