Ghana’s Black Maidens face a demanding Group C at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where they will meet Norway, Brazil and Canada.
The Ghanaian team begin their campaign on Sunday, returning to the global youth competition with the aim of making a strong impression and progressing to the knockout stage.
Head coach Nana Joe Adarkwa and his technical team must prepare the players for a difficult series of fixtures against three established footballing nations. Brazil have a long-standing reputation in women’s football, while Norway and Canada will present further significant tests for Ghana’s young squad.
Ghana will need to combine consistency and tactical discipline with greater efficiency in front of goal if they are to compete successfully in Group C. The team’s approach to each match will be important as they seek to manage the pressure of the tournament and secure qualification for the next round.
Their place in Morocco was confirmed after a dramatic qualifying tie against Senegal. Ghana won 7-6 on penalties after the second leg of the final qualifying tie ended 1-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
That result secured the Black Maidens’ return to the competition and gave the team an opportunity to measure themselves against some of the leading emerging talent in international women’s football.
Adarkwa has selected a 21-player squad for the tournament. The group includes three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and five forwards, giving the coaching staff a balanced selection as Ghana prepare for the demands of the group stage.
The tournament opener on Sunday will be a key early test. A positive result would give the Black Maidens momentum before their remaining Group C fixtures against Brazil and Canada, while also providing an early indication of their ability to handle the level of competition.
Ghana’s preparations will centre on maintaining defensive organisation while ensuring the team can make the most of its chances in attack. Those qualities will be required against opponents expected to challenge the Black Maidens in different areas of the game.
The squad will be seeking to go beyond the group stage and underline Ghana’s potential in women’s youth football. Their return to the world stage offers the players an opportunity to gain experience against Norway, Brazil and Canada while competing for a place in the knockout rounds.
With the opening fixture approaching, attention will now turn to how Adarkwa’s side respond to the demands of Group C and the pressure of facing three high-quality opponents in Morocco.