Black Maidens prepare for World Cup campaign with Norway, Brazil and Canada awaiting them in the group stage
Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team coach, Joe Adarkwa, has named his final 21-player squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, as the Black Maidens prepare to represent the country on the global stage.
The announcement marks a significant step in Ghana’s preparations for the tournament, with the team set to face a challenging group-stage campaign against Norway, Brazil and Canada.
The Black Maidens will begin their World Cup journey against Norway on Sunday, October 18, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 GMT.
Ghana will then face Brazil on Thursday, October 22, at 18:00 GMT before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Canada on Saturday, October 24, at 15:00 GMT.
The three matches will provide an early test of Ghana’s competitiveness against opponents from different footballing traditions, with the team aiming to make a strong impression at the tournament.
Coach Adarkwa will be expected to guide the young squad through the demands of international competition, as Ghana seek to translate their preparations into positive results on the world stage.
Ghana’s final 21-player squad
Goalkeepers
Belinda Maku Aklie
Rahima A. Napari
Josephine Nyanufule
Defenders
Matilda A. B. Amoah
Hajara Adam
Latifa Musah
Mavis Koah
Rafia Osman
Juliana Gyekyewaa
Seraphina E. Esse
Midfielders
Belinda Kpentey
Christiana Ashiaku
Benedicta D. Nkietah
Seidatu Wahab
Zeinab Shani
Sekinatu Amadu
Forwards
Priscilla Mensah
Linda Achiaa
Jessica A. Asamoah
Cynthia Obinsrewuo
Gloria A. Adomako
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup offers a valuable platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities, gain international experience and attract attention from the wider football community.
For Ghana, the competition also represents an opportunity to reinforce the country’s reputation for developing promising young footballers and strengthen its presence in women’s football.
With Norway, Brazil and Canada standing between the Black Maidens and progress from the group stage, consistency, discipline and clinical finishing could prove crucial to their campaign.
Ghana’s opening encounter against Norway will be particularly important in setting the tone for the tournament, while the subsequent fixtures against Brazil and Canada will test the team’s ability to adapt to different challenges.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, attention will turn to Adarkwa and his final 21-player selection as the Black Maidens prepare to begin their quest for success in Morocco.
Ghana’s group-stage fixtures
- Sunday, October 18: Norway vs Ghana — 18:00 GMT
- Thursday, October 22: Ghana vs Brazil — 18:00 GMT
- Saturday, October 24: Ghana vs Canada — 15:00 GMT
The Black Maidens will be hoping to make the most of their opportunity on the global stage and give Ghanaian football fans reason to celebrate.