Ghana 0-0 Panama: Ati-Zigi Heroics Earn a Point in Cagey 2026 World Cup Opener
Ghana and Panama played out a goalless draw in their Group L opener at the 2026 World Cup, sharing the spoils after a rain-soaked, hard-fought contest at BMO Field in Toronto. Panama dominated possession for long spells, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced several crucial stops to keep his side level. Full match data and live scores are available at our live scores centre.
First Half: Panama Dominate but Ati-Zigi Stands Firm
Panama signalled their intent inside the second minute, when Cecilio Waterman forced Ati-Zigi into a sharp diving save. The Canaleros went on to control the opening 45 minutes, finishing the half with 64 percent possession and a commanding 291-171 edge in passes, while outshooting their opponents 3-0. Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana looked cautious and failed to register a single shot on target before the break. Midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi picked up the game’s first yellow card for a foul on Yoel Barcenas as the steady rain made clean possession difficult for both teams.
Second Half: Stalemate Holds as Chances Dry Up
The pattern barely changed after the restart. Panama kept the ball and probed patiently, while the Black Stars looked to Jordan Ayew to spark something on the counter. Ayew stood over a promising free-kick but could not generate enough pace or whip, and the effort was comfortably cleared. As legs tired on the slick surface, errors crept in and clear-cut openings became scarce, with the final pass repeatedly letting both teams down. Referee Glenn Nyberg eventually brought the cagey contest to a close with the scoreline still blank.
Ghana’s Struggles Under Queiroz
For Ghana the result is a mixed bag: a hard-earned point despite being second best, but an attacking display that offered almost nothing going forward. Queiroz will need to fix his side’s transition play and find a way to create chances even when starved of the ball, though the resilience of his defence and goalkeeper gives him something to build on. Panama, for all their territorial control, lacked a cutting edge and will rue their wastefulness in the final third.
Group L Picture: England Lead, Ghana and Panama Share Spoils
In the group’s other opener, England beat Croatia 4-2 behind a Harry Kane double — see our England 4-2 Croatia report. That leaves England top of Group L on three points, with both of today’s teams level on one apiece and Croatia bottom. With Croatia and England still to come, this single point could prove either a useful platform or a missed opportunity for both sides.
