Ghana vs Panama preview

2026 World Cup, World
Toronto Stadium Wed, 17 Jun - 11:00 PM
World Cup
Ghana GHA
1 0
Panama PAN
Full Time Wed, 17 Jun 11:00 PM
Round 1 Group Stage
Caleb Yirenkyi - 90+5'
Goal
|

CONTEXT

Ghana secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama in a tightly contested match that remained goalless at halftime. Despite Panama holding 62 percent possession and being labeled the stronger side beforehand, Ghana capitalized on their opportunities to claim the win. The home side generated 1.39 expected goals compared to Panama's 0.77, reflecting a meaningful edge in chance creation. No red cards were issued to either team, allowing both sides to maintain full complements throughout the contest. Ghana's triumph came despite entering the fixture with a lower implied probability of success based on pre-match indicators. The outcome aligned closely with the underlying performance metrics, underscoring an efficient display from the victors in front of goal.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Ghana 1-0 Panama. Ghana showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: Ghana's performance proved in line with their expected output levels.
  • xG alignment: The final result remained consistent with the 1.39 to 0.77 xG split.
  • Market alignment: The match outcome matched the pre-match market expectations for Ghana.
  • xG expectations: Ghana exceeded Panama's xG by 0.62 despite lower possession share.
  • Event impact: The game featured no major disruptions and stayed level at 0-0 after halftime.
  • Red card distortion: Zero red cards occurred, leaving team structures fully intact for both sides.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
G. Nyberg
G. Nyberg
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
M. Beigi
M. Beigi
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
A. Söderkvist
A. Söderkvist
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
K. Saleh
K. Saleh
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Ghana C. Brito Leal Queiróz
C. Brito Leal Queiróz
VS
Panama T. Christiansen Tarín
T. Christiansen Tarín
0
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
0
0 i
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
0 i
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home Ghana
40.37%
Draw
29.82%
Away Panama
29.82%

Movement

Changes since opening
Ghana
-55.7%
Draw
+26.09%
Panama
+29.63%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
14.81
33.33
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Ghana
Panama
Power Score
14.81
33.33
League Position
2
3
Global Rank
74
33

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Ghana — Opponent-weighted form score
Panama — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Ghana Panama

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Ghana

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Panama

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Ghana ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Panama
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
4.58
6.64
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
6.64
4.58
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Ghana -0.18 Efficiency Index
vs
Panama +0.18 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Ghana
Panama
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Ghana
vs
Panama
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Ghana Panama
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
18%
14%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.25 vs -0.11
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Ghana Panama
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
14%
18%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.11 vs -0.25
Ghana
Panama
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Ghana
vs
Panama
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Ghana Panama
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Ghana 0.08
Panama 0.12
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Ghana Panama
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Ghana 0.00
Panama 0.00
Ghana
Panama
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • PAN had peak pressure around 39'.
  • PAN started the game with stronger pressure.
GHA Pressure PAN Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: PAN reached the top pressure at 39' (75.57).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 0 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Ghana GHA Home
0 matches
Panama PAN Away
Match Record
0
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
0
Goals
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-06-18T00:00:39+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-1-1
Match Formation 3-4-3
Pitch
L. Ati-Zigi
Substitution
Ghana
1 L. Ati-Zigi
M. Senaya
Ghana
26 M. Senaya
J. Adjei Adjetey
Ghana
4 J. Adjei Adjetey
J. Opoku
Ghana
18 J. Opoku
G. Mensah
Ghana
14 G. Mensah
E. Appiah Nuamah
Substitution
Ghana
24 E. Appiah Nuamah
C. Yirenkyi
Ghana
3 C. Yirenkyi
E. Owusu
Substitution
Ghana
15 E. Owusu
A. Semenyo
Ghana
11 A. Semenyo
K. Sulemana
Substitution
Ghana
22 K. Sulemana
J. Ayew
Substitution
Ghana
9 (C) J. Ayew
O. Mosquera
Panama
22 O. Mosquera
A. Andrade Cedeño
Panama
16 A. Andrade Cedeño
J. Cordoba Chambers
Panama
3 J. Cordoba Chambers
J. Ramos Díaz
Panama
13 J. Ramos Díaz
C. Blackman
Substitution
Panama
2 C. Blackman
E. Bárcenas Herrera
Panama
11 (C) E. Bárcenas Herrera
C. Harvey Cesneros
Panama
14 C. Harvey Cesneros
M. Murillo Bermudez
Panama
23 M. Murillo Bermudez
J. Rodríguez Francis
Substitution
Panama
7 J. Rodríguez Francis
C. Waterman Ruiz
Substitution
Panama
18 C. Waterman Ruiz
C. Martinez
Substitution
Panama
6 C. Martinez

General Information

Date & Time
Jun 17, 2026, 11:00 PM
Competition
2026 World Cup, World · Round 1 · Group Stage
Stadium
Toronto Stadium
Capacity
45700
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Glenn Nyberg
Mahbod Beigi
Andreas Söderkvist
Khalid Saleh

Statistics

Possession
GHA
42%
PAN
58%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 0
1 Big Chances Created 1
5 Shots 8
35 Dangerous attacks 60
38 Possession 62
2 Corners 2
12 Free kicks 13
1 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

58 Ball Safe 68
10 Goal Kicks 9
7 Goal Attempts 8
7 Substitutions 4
21 Throwins 23
9 Successful Headers 7
1 Assists 0
3 Injuries 0
23 Dribble Attempts 13
8 Successful Dribbles 6
35 Successful Dribbles Percentage 46

Attacking

93 Attacks 101
0 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

51 Long Passes 73
354 Passes 580
293 Successful Passes 501
83 Successful Passes Percentage 86
5 Key Passes 9
29 Successful Long Passes 37
57 Successful Long Passes Percentage 51

Defensive

4 Saves 2
17 Tackles 29
8 Interceptions 4
56 Duels Won 56

Build-up

16 Total Crosses 21
4 Accurate Crosses 4

Discipline

4 Offsides 1
9 Fouls 11

Lineup

Referee : Glenn Nyberg

Starting XI ▼

1
Lawrence Ati Zigi
Lawrence Ati Zigi Goalkeeper
7.07
16
Benjamin Asare
Benjamin Asare
Goalkeeper46'
4
Jonas Adjetey
Jonas Adjetey Defender
6.64
14
Gideon Mensah
Gideon Mensah Defender
6.36
18
Jerome Opoku
Jerome Opoku Defender
6.69
26
Marvin Senaya
Marvin Senaya Defender
6.72
3
Caleb Yirenkyi
Caleb Yirenkyi Midfielder
6.88
11
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo Midfielder
6.43
15
Elisha Owusu
Elisha Owusu Midfielder
6.59
8
Kwasi Sibo
Kwasi Sibo
Midfielder78'
24
Ernest Nuamah
Ernest Nuamah Midfielder
6.35
7
Issahaku Fatawu
Issahaku Fatawu
Attacker58'
9
Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew (C) Attacker
6.59
25
Prince Adu
Prince Adu
Attacker87'
22
Kamaldeen Sulemana
Kamaldeen Sulemana Attacker
6.54
10
Brandon Thomas-Asante
Brandon Thomas-Asante
Attacker58'
Referee : Glenn Nyberg

Starting XI ▼

22
Orlando Mosquera
Orlando Mosquera Goalkeeper
6.66
3
José Córdoba
José Córdoba Defender
6.48
13
Jiovany Ramos
Jiovany Ramos Defender
6.79
16
Andrés Andrade
Andrés Andrade Defender
7.04
2
César Blackman
César Blackman Midfielder
6.49
20
Aníbal Godoy
Aníbal Godoy
Midfielder90'
11
Yoel Bárcenas
Yoel Bárcenas (C) Midfielder
6.6
14
Carlos Harvey
Carlos Harvey Midfielder
6.43
23
Amir Murillo
Amir Murillo Midfielder
6.96
6
Cristian Martínez
Cristian Martínez Attacker
6.88
24
Azarias Londoño
Azarias Londoño
Attacker63'
7
José Luis Rodríguez
José Luis Rodríguez Attacker
6.59
10
Ismael Díaz
Ismael Díaz
Attacker74'
18
Cecilio Waterman
Cecilio Waterman Attacker
6.58
17
José Fajardo
José Fajardo
Attacker63'

Events

2ND-HALF
90+9'
Event
Carlos Harvey
Dangerous play / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Caleb Yirenkyi
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
90+5'
90'
Event
Aníbal Godoy → César Blackman
9th Substitution
Event
Prince Adu → Jordan Ayew
8th Substitution
87'
Event
Kwasi Sibo → Elisha Owusu
7th Substitution
78'
74'
Event
Ismael Díaz → José Luis Rodríguez
6th Substitution
72'
Event
César Blackman
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
63'
Event
José Fajardo → Cecilio Waterman
4th Substitution
63'
Event
Azarias Londoño → Cristian Martínez
5th Substitution
Event
Brandon Thomas-Asante → Kamaldeen Sulemana
2nd Substitution
58'
Event
Issahaku Fatawu → Ernest Nuamah
3rd Substitution
58'
Event
Benjamin Asare → Lawrence Ati Zigi
1st Substitution
46'
1ST-HALF
Event
Caleb Yirenkyi
Holding / 1st Yellowcard
16'

Match Commentary

90
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Benjamin Asare from Ghana.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Ismael Díaz's header from the center of the box is saved by Benjamin Asare in the center of the goal. The attempt was assisted by Orlando Mosquera.
90
Update Update
Carlos Harvey commits a foul for Panama.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Carlos Harvey from Panama receives a yellow card for a foul.
90
Corner Corner
Orlando Mosquera (Panama) misses an attempt with a header from the center of the box after a corner.
90
Update Update
Benjamin Asare from Ghana wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90
Update Update
José Córdoba from Panama wins a free kick on the right wing.
90
Update Update
Prince Adu of Ghana commits a foul.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Ghana leads 1-0 against Panama. Caleb Yirenkyi scores for Ghana with a right-footed shot from very close range after a fast break.
90
Corner Corner
Panama wins a corner after Marvin Senaya concedes.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 6 minutes of added time.
90
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Panama: Aníbal Godoy comes on for César Blackman.
89
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Ghana: Prince Adu comes on for Jordan Ayew.
87
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Yoel Bárcenas from Panama, who took a right-footed shot from outside the box.
87
Attempt Attempt
Ismael Díaz's right-footed shot from outside the box is saved.
85
Update Update
Abdul Fatawu from Ghana is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
79
Update Update
Andrés Andrade commits a foul for Panama.
79
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Ghana: Kwasi Sibo comes on for Elisha Owusu.
78
Update Update
Foul committed by Jordan Ayew of Ghana.
78
Update Update
Jiovany Ramos from Panama is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
78
Update Update
Antoine Semenyo commits a foul for Ghana.
76
Update Update
Amir Murillo from Panama is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
76
Update Update
Foul committed by Jordan Ayew of Ghana.
75
Update Update
Amir Murillo from Panama wins a free kick in the defensive half.
75
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Panama: Ismael Díaz comes on for José Luis Rodríguez.
74
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Jonas Adjetey's header from the center of the box is close but goes to the left. Jordan Ayew provided the assist with a cross after a set piece situation.
73
Update Update
Abdul Fatawu from Ghana is awarded a free kick on the right wing.
72
Update Update
César Blackman commits a foul for Panama.
72
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
César Blackman of Panama receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
72
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
71
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Antoine Semenyo from Ghana has his right-footed shot from the right side of the box saved in the bottom left corner by Orlando Mosquera of Panama. The shot was assisted by Abdul Fatawu.
68
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
67
Attempt Attempt
Antoine Semenyo's left-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
67
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Jiovany Ramos from Panama takes a left-footed shot from outside the box that is close but goes to the left after a fast break.
66
Corner Corner
Antoine Semenyo from Ghana misses a header from the center of the box, sending it to the right. The attempt was assisted by Abdul Fatawu, who delivered a cross following a corner.
65
Corner Corner
Ghana is awarded a corner after Jiovany Ramos concedes.
64
Corner Corner
Ghana is awarded a corner after Jiovany Ramos concedes.
63
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Panama: José Fajardo comes on for Cecilio Waterman.
63
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Panama: Azarías Londoño comes on for Cristian Martínez.
62
Corner Corner
Ghana wins a corner after Andrés Andrade concedes.
60
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Carlos Harvey of Panama, who took a left-footed shot from outside the box.
60
Attempt Attempt
Cristian Martínez from Panama misses an attempt with a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
59
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Abdul Fatawu from Ghana takes a left-footed shot from over 35 yards but it goes to the right.
58
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Ghana: Brandon Thomas-Asante comes on for Kamaldeen Sulemana.
58
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Ghana: Abdul Fatawu comes on for Ernest Nuamah.
53
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Yoel Bárcenas from Panama has a left-footed shot from outside the box that is blocked. Carlos Harvey provided the assist.
53
Corner Corner
Panama is awarded a corner after Jonas Adjetey concedes.
51
Update Update
Kamaldeen Sulemana commits a foul for Ghana.
51
Update Update
Amir Murillo from Panama wins a free kick in the defensive half.
50
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Caleb Yirenkyi from Ghana, who took a right-footed shot from the right side of the box.
49
Update Update
Gideon Mensah wins a free kick for Ghana in the defensive half.
49
Update Update
Cristian Martínez commits a foul for Panama.
48
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Jonas Adjetey's header from the center of the box is saved in the bottom right corner by Orlando Mosquera. The assist came from Kamaldeen Sulemana's cross.
47
Update Update
Carlos Harvey commits a foul for Panama.
47
Update Update
Jordan Ayew from Ghana wins a free kick in the attacking half.
46
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Ghana: Benjamin Asare comes on for Lawrence Ati Zigi due to an injury.
46
Update Update
The first half ends with the score tied at 0-0 between Ghana and Panama.
45
Update Update
Antoine Semenyo from Ghana is awarded a free kick on the left wing.
45
Update Update
José Córdoba commits a foul for Panama.
45
Update Update
Foul committed by Jiovany Ramos of Panama.
45
Update Update
Jordan Ayew from Ghana wins a free kick on the left wing.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated that there will be 5 minutes of added time.
45
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Marvin Senaya from Ghana has a right-footed shot from outside the box that goes to the left. He was assisted by Ernest Nuamah.
44
Update Update
Ernest Nuamah of Ghana is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
44
Update Update
Foul committed by Jiovany Ramos of Panama.
43
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
42
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Lawrence Ati Zigi from Ghana.
38
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Jiovany Ramos from Panama takes a right-footed shot from the right side of the box.
36
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
35
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Lawrence Ati Zigi from Ghana.
34
Update Update
Carlos Harvey from Panama commits a foul.
34
Update Update
Lawrence Ati Zigi wins a free kick for Ghana in the defensive half.
30
Update Update
Caleb Yirenkyi of Ghana wins a free kick in the attacking half.
30
Update Update
Carlos Harvey commits a foul for Panama.
28
Update Update
Marvin Senaya commits a foul for Ghana.
28
Update Update
César Blackman from Panama is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
27
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
24
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
24
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
23
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Jordan Ayew from Ghana.
21
Update Update
Offside called against Ghana. Kamaldeen Sulemana is caught offside.
16
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Caleb Yirenkyi from Ghana receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
16
Update Update
Caleb Yirenkyi commits a foul for Ghana.
16
Update Update
Yoel Bárcenas from Panama is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
15
Update Update
Carlos Harvey from Panama commits a foul.
15
Update Update
Kamaldeen Sulemana wins a free kick for Ghana in the defensive half.
12
Update Update
Antoine Semenyo commits a foul for Ghana.
12
Update Update
Amir Murillo from Panama wins a free kick in the defensive half.
8
Update Update
César Blackman of Panama is caught offside.
5
Attempt Attempt
Cesar Blackman's right-footed shot is blocked.
2
Attempt Attempt
Cecilio Alfonso Waterman Ruiz takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
1
Update Update
Offside.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Glenn Nyberg.

CONCLUSION

Ghana's disciplined approach allowed them to overcome Panama's possession dominance and deliver a result that mirrored their superior chance quality. With both teams finishing with eleven players, the contest hinged on Ghana's clinical finishing in the second half after a scoreless opening period. Panama controlled territory but failed to convert their opportunities into meaningful threats, highlighting a gap in efficiency. The 1-0 scoreline accurately captured the balance of play without any distorting incidents. Ghana demonstrated resilience and tactical awareness to secure the points against a favored opponent. This performance reinforces their ability to punch above their weight when opportunities arise. Overall the match provided a clear example of how expected goals can predict outcomes even when surface statistics suggest otherwise.