World Cup 2026: Africa’s winning formula so far? Last-minute goals

Africa’s representatives are proving that matches are never over until the final whistle at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Remarkably, the only two winning goals scored from the 90th minute onwards at this year’s tournament have both been registered by African nations, underlining the continent’s fighting spirit on football’s biggest stage.

Yirenkyi and Diallo Deliver Late Heroics

Ghana’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama was secured deep into stoppage time when Caleb Yirenkyi struck in the 90+5th minute to hand the Black Stars all three points in Toronto.

Just days earlier, Côte d’Ivoire had also celebrated a late winner after Amad Diallo found the net in the 90th minute to secure a 1-0 triumph over Ecuador.

Both goals not only sealed crucial victories for their respective nations but also highlighted Africa’s ability to produce decisive moments under pressure.

African Teams Leaving It Late

So far, Africa has recorded only two wins at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and both have arrived in dramatic fashion.

Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time strike against Panama and Diallo’s late winner against Ecuador remain the only goals scored from the 90th minute onwards that have directly decided matches at the tournament.

The trend serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that African teams continue to bring to the global stage.

Never Write Off Africa

While the tournament is still in its early stages, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have already shown that African sides can be at their most dangerous when the clock is running down.

Their dramatic victories have delivered some of the competition’s most memorable moments so far and reinforced a familiar lesson for football fans around the world: never write off Africa until the final whistle.