Ghana’s The Black Maidens will face Argentina in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The knockout tie comes three days after Joe Nana Adarkwa’s team secured qualification with a 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group C match.
Ghana began the tournament with a 3-0 defeat by Norway before recovering to draw 3-3 with Brazil. They then produced the result they needed against Canada, with substitute Linda Achiaa opening the scoring in the 65th minute and Christiana Ashiaku adding a second in the 90+5th minute.
The win gave Ghana four points and ensured they progressed as one of the top two teams in the group.
Argentina arrive in the knockout stage as group winners after completing an unbeaten campaign. The South American side are regarded as favourites and are noted for their technical quality and physical intensity.
Adarkwa is expected to retain much of the team that started the successful meeting with Canada. Seidatu Wahab, who was named Player of the Match in that game, and Jessica Appiah are likely to have important roles in midfield.
Ghana’s substitutes were highly influential in their final group fixture. Achiaa scored just 35 seconds after entering the match, while Ashiaku also made a decisive contribution late on, meaning the bench could again prove important against Argentina.
Goalkeeper Belinda Aku Aklie will be expected to help Ghana withstand Argentina’s attacking threat. In defence, Rafia Osman, Hajara Adam, Latifa Musah and Seraphina Esse Essenam will also need to produce strong performances.
Priscilla Mensah and Ashiaku provide further attacking options from the bench as Ghana attempt to reach the quarter-finals.
Adarkwa acknowledged the challenge ahead after the victory over Canada, saying his side were likely to face stronger opposition in the next round.
“We know we are heading to difficult times. We are going to face tougher opposition, and we are going to work towards that,” he said.
Reflecting on Ghana’s decisive group-stage win, Adarkwa added: “We came here purposely for a win and it happened. Now we must do it again.”
Victory over Argentina would take Ghana into the quarter-finals of the competition.
