Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has revealed that the Black Stars’ dramatic victory over Panama was the moment that gave the team belief they could make progress at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.


Ghana opened their Group L campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure three crucial points in Toronto.


For Mensah, the result was more than just a winning start. He believes it changed the mood within the Ghana camp and made qualification from the group a realistic possibility.

Speaking to Flashscore, the Ghana left-back identified the Panama victory as his standout moment of the tournament, despite the Black Stars later exiting in the Round of 32.


“Going into that game and then winning against Panama was one of the standout moments for me in the World Cup.”


Mensah added that the result brought Ghana’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage to life.


“Qualifying from the group came to life because of the win against Panama.”



Ghana's Panama victory set the tone


The Black Stars were made to work for their opening three points against Panama.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock for most of the match, with Ghana also forced to withstand periods of pressure from the Central American side.


The breakthrough finally arrived in the 95th minute when Yirenkyi finished a move involving Antoine Semenyo and substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante.


The goal was Yirenkyi’s first World Cup goal and secured Ghana's first victory of the tournament. FIFA recorded the goal as a 95th-minute winner, while the Ghana Football Association highlighted the youngster's contribution on his World Cup debut.


The victory immediately put Ghana in a strong position in Group L and provided the confidence Mensah believes was essential for the games that followed.


Gideon Mensah reflects on Ghana's World Cup campaign


Ghana followed the Panama win with a disciplined 0-0 draw against England, giving the Black Stars another valuable point.


The team then suffered a narrow defeat to Croatia before facing Colombia in the Round of 32.


Although Ghana's campaign ended with a defeat to Colombia, Mensah has described the 2026 tournament as one of his strongest World Cup experiences.


The defender started all four of Ghana's matches at the tournament and played a more influential role in the team than he had at the 2022 World Cup. Flashscore reported that Mensah viewed his role in 2026 as one that carried greater responsibility and leadership.


The tournament also represented an important stage in Mensah's development as a senior Ghana international.


“I feel good about my presence in the team, for the whole country and also for myself,” Mensah said in his reflections on the tournament.


Mensah begins new Bundesliga chapter


The World Cup came at an important point in Mensah's club career.

After establishing himself at French club AJ Auxerre, the Ghana international moved to Germany to continue his career with 1. FC Köln.


Mensah had previously played an important role at Auxerre, including during the club's promotion campaign, before beginning a new challenge in the Bundesliga. Flashscore reported that he arrived at Köln as an experienced international after his World Cup performances.


His move also gives the defender another opportunity to test himself at one of Europe's major football levels.


Mensah's experience with Ghana, combined with his time in France and Germany, could make him an important figure for the Black Stars as the national team moves into its next competitive cycle.


Ghana turn attention to AFCON qualification


With the World Cup now behind them, Mensah and the Black Stars have shifted their focus back to African football.


Ghana's next major objective is their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with the Black Stars preparing for their upcoming fixtures.


For Mensah, the lessons from the World Cup—particularly the confidence gained from beating Panama—could prove valuable as Ghana looks to rebuild momentum and secure another appearance at the continent's biggest international tournament.


The defender's message from the 2026 World Cup is clear: belief can change the course of a tournament. For Ghana, that belief began with a dramatic late goal against Panama.