We won the game with our brains against Panama – Black stars coach Carlos Queiroz

Football coach in a black jacket walking on the pitch with a cheering crowd behind him on the stands.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 18, 2026

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz says his side’s patience and tactical discipline were the key to their dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars claimed all three points thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner after enduring long periods of pressure from a confident Panama side at Toronto’s BMO Field.

Despite seeing his team spend much of the game without the ball, Queiroz insisted the result was the reward for sticking to a carefully planned strategy rather than chasing the game.

“We battled like warriors,” the Portuguese coach told ITV after the final whistle.

“We won the game with our brains. First, we had to suffer against a great team.”

Queiroz acknowledged Panama’s quality, saying Ghana expected their opponents to control possession and create difficult moments throughout the contest.

“They know how to play. We knew they would control the game. But step by step, our strategy was to let them come. This is the way to win,” he said.

The victory gives Ghana a winning start to their World Cup campaign and places the Black Stars in a strong position ahead of crucial Group L fixtures against England and Croatia.

For Queiroz, however, the performance was less about the scoreline and more about his players’ discipline, resilience and ability to remain composed under sustained pressure before delivering the decisive blow when the opportunity finally arrived.