Accra, Ghana, October 25, 2026: Ghana’s Black Maidens have advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after securing a 2–0 victory over Canada in their final Group C match.
The result earned Ghana four points from three matches and second place in the group behind Brazil, setting up a meeting with Argentina on Wednesday, 28 October, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The victory also drew praise from Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who commended the players for representing Ghana with confidence and determination.
In a statement following the win, the Vice-President said the team’s performances demonstrated “the enormous potential of women’s football in our country”.
She described the 2–0 result against Canada as another important moment in the team’s journey and urged the players to remain focused, united and confident as they progressed to the knockout stage.
“Every stage offers a new opportunity to show the world what they can achieve,” she said.
She congratulated the players, technical team and everyone who had contributed to the team’s progress.
Substitutes deliver decisive goals
After a goalless first half, Ghana broke the deadlock through substitute Linda Achiaa, who scored shortly after coming on.
Christiana Ashiaku, also introduced from the bench, sealed the victory with a long-range effort in stoppage time.
The goals secured a crucial result for coach Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side, which began its campaign with a 3–0 defeat to Norway before drawing 3–3 with Brazil.
The victory over Canada completed Ghana’s recovery in the group stage and secured the team’s passage to the last 16.
Argentina next
The Black Maidens will face Argentina on Wednesday, 28 October, as they pursue a place in the quarter-finals.
Adarkwa acknowledged the challenge ahead but said the team would work to make Africa proud.
“Our changes make the difference. Our changes and our tactical approach. We are happy to still be there, but going forward, I know it is going to be very difficult. But we will work for that and make Africa proud,” he told FIFA after the victory over Canada.
Ghana have returned to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after missing the previous edition. The team’s history in the competition includes a bronze medal in 2012 and three quarter-final appearances.
As the players prepare for Argentina, their performance has put the spotlight on the potential of Ghana’s young women footballers and the opportunities available to develop the women’s game.
The next challenge will be to turn their group-stage progress into a quarter-final place.
