Caleb Yirenkyi’s dramatic winning goal against Panama may have secured Ghana’s perfect start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but head coach Carlos Queiroz believes the midfielder’s biggest moments are still ahead of him.
The Black Stars left it late to claim a 1-0 victory in Toronto, with Yirenkyi arriving in stoppage time to finish off Brandon Thomas-Asante’s low cross and hand Ghana all three points in their Group L opener.
While the decisive strike instantly elevated the young midfielder into the spotlight, Queiroz suggested the goal was merely another step in the player’s development rather than a surprise breakthrough.
Responding to questions about Yirenkyi’s role after the match, the Ghana coach dismissed suggestions that the player is naturally a full-back, insisting his future lies firmly in midfield.
“In my opinion, he is a midfield player. He will be a great midfield player for me,” Queiroz said.
“He still has a lot of things to learn. But if at this age he is able to do this, when he grows up and learns a lot, I think he can be a player that creates a lot of impact in our team.”
Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner against Panama highlighted both his growing influence and Ghana’s development under Carlos Queiroz, with the Black Stars coach insisting his team is still evolving despite a winning World Cup start.
The coach pointed out that perceptions of Yirenkyi’s versatility had been shaped by a handful of appearances in defense, while stressing that the majority of his football has been played in central areas.
His match-winning contribution against Panama appeared to reinforce that belief. Beyond the goal, Yirenkyi played an important role in helping Ghana wrestle control of midfield after a difficult opening period against a well organized Panamanian side.
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Despite securing victory, Queiroz repeatedly emphasized that his team remains a work in progress. the Portuguese tactician admitted Ghana are still adapting to a new tactical structure and playing style designed around the strengths of the current squad.
“We are growing up as a team,” he explained.
“We are playing a different system. The methods that we are using to attack are built to match the profile of our players, playing vertical football with full-speed actions. Step by step, we will improve and the players will adjust with each other.”
That growth was visible during the contest. Ghana struggled to impose themselves early on as Panama controlled possession and dictated much of the first-half rhythm. However, tactical adjustments gradually shifted momentum in Ghana’s favour, allowing the four-time African champions to become increasingly dangerous after the break.
Queiroz highlighted the players’ willingness to learn and adapt during difficult moments as one of the most encouraging aspects of the victory.
“When they are better, we defend, we fight for our lives,” he said.
“Step by step, we started to impose our game.”
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The victory over Panama gives Ghana an ideal platform heading into a far sterner challenge against England. Yet Queiroz’s post-match assessment suggested he sees the result not as evidence of a finished product, but as confirmation that his squad is moving in the right direction.
