The FIFA Museum in Zurich has added a torn Black Stars jersey worn by Caleb Yirenkyi during Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup opener to its permanent collection. Yirenkyi's shirt was ripped during celebrations following his 95th-minute winner against Panama in Toronto on 17 June 2026, securing a 1-0 victory for the Black Stars. The jersey, which documents the historic moment, was confirmed by Rahman Osman as part of the museum's collection.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America was the first to feature 48 nations, expanding from the previous 32-team format. Yirenkyi's preserved shirt joins Asamoah Gyan's 2010 World Cup jersey in the museum's Ghana collection. Gyan's jersey is remembered for a near-miss against Uruguay, where Ghana exited on penalties. In contrast, Yirenkyi's torn shirt marks a late winner that opened Ghana's 2026 campaign on a high note.
Yirenkyi's goal against Panama marked a breakthrough moment for the 20-year-old, who had attracted attention leading up to the tournament. His decisive contribution in the closing minutes of a high-stakes opener was enough to catch the attention of football's most prestigious museum. The jersey, which has been preserved, showcases the excitement and intensity of the match.
The FIFA Museum's collection includes significant moments from football history, and Yirenkyi's jersey is no exception. The museum's decision to preserve the shirt highlights the importance of the moment in Ghana's football history. Yirenkyi's achievement has been recognized, and his jersey will be displayed alongside other notable football memorabilia.
Beyond Yirenkyi's achievement, the Black Stars have other matters to attend to, including a return fixture against Somalia on 16 November. Interim coach Kim Lars Björkegren has promised a stronger performance, as Ghana looks to pick up maximum points from the double-header to boost its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying hopes.
The addition of Yirenkyi's jersey to the FIFA Museum collection serves as a reminder of the excitement and drama of the 2026 World Cup. The museum's collection provides a unique glimpse into football history, and Yirenkyi's jersey is a significant addition. The preservation of the jersey ensures that the moment will be remembered for years to come.
The article was produced by the Chale News desk with AI-assisted drafting from the sources listed. The FIFA Museum's decision to preserve Yirenkyi's jersey has been confirmed, and the jersey will be displayed as part of the museum's Ghana collection.
Key points
- Caleb Yirenkyi's torn jersey from the 2026 World Cup win over Panama has been added to the FIFA Museum collection.
