Ghana’s Black Maidens will face Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Wednesday, October 28, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Argentina head into the knockout encounter after winning two of their three Group A matches, demonstrating their attacking threat ahead of the meeting with Ghana.

The South Americans began their campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand. They finished the group stage strongly, thrashing hosts Morocco 5-1 in their final fixture to secure progression to the knockout phase.

Argentina scored eight goals and conceded three across their three group matches, finishing second in Group A behind Germany.

The 2026 tournament also marks Argentina’s debut at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, adding further significance to their progress into the last 16.

Ghana, meanwhile, booked their place in the knockout stage with a crucial 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group C match. After opening their campaign with a 3-0 loss to Norway and drawing 3-3 with Brazil, the Black Maidens responded with a determined performance to secure qualification.

Goals from substitutes Linda Achiaa and Christiana Ashiaku sealed the win over Canada, while goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie recorded her first clean sheet of the tournament.

The victory lifted Ghana to four points in Group C and gave Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side renewed confidence heading into the knockout stage.

Argentina’s emphatic win over Morocco highlights the attacking challenge Ghana must prepare for, but the Black Maidens will also take encouragement from their response after a difficult start to the competition.

The Round of 16 encounter is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m. GMT. Ghana will be aiming to overcome the South Americans and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Ghana captain and midfielder Seidatu Wahab has been named Player of the Match following the Black Maidens’ 2-0 victory over Canada at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Wahab played a key role as Ghana secured the crucial win, with goals from Linda Achiaa in the 65th minute and Christiana Ashiaku in stoppage time sealing the three points.

The victory takes Ghana to four points from three matches, ensuring a second-place finish in Group C and qualification for the Round of 16.

The recognition is a significant moment for the Ghana captain, whose leadership will be important as the Black Maidens prepare for the knockout stage of the competition.

Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie has recorded her first clean sheet at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, helping the Black Maidens secure a 2-0 victory over Canada and book their place in the Round of 16 in Morocco.

It was a special moment for the young goalkeeper, whose World Cup journey has been one of learning, resilience and improvement.

Belinda came under criticism from some Ghanaian supporters after conceding three goals in the opening match against Norway. However, she showed signs of improvement in the subsequent 3-3 draw against Brazil, making important saves despite conceding three goals again.

Against Canada, the Cabfix Ladies goalkeeper took another significant step, keeping a clean sheet as Ghana secured the victory they needed to progress to the knockout stage.

Her performance reflects the demands of playing at the highest level of youth international football, where young players must learn, adapt and respond under pressure.

Belinda’s journey to Morocco has also been marked by international experience. She featured prominently during Ghana’s U-17 qualifying campaign, helping the team secure its place at the World Cup. She also made her debut for the Black Princesses, Ghana’s U-20 women’s team, and contributed to their qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. However, she could not travel to Poland, as her commitments with the Black Maidens, including the WAFU B campaign and U-17 World Cup preparations, took priority.

Now, with her first World Cup clean sheet secured and Ghana through to the Round of 16, Belinda has another milestone to celebrate.

For a young goalkeeper experiencing her first World Cup, the journey has not been without challenges. But her response on the pitch against Canada offers encouragement and a reminder that development is a process.

As the Black Maidens prepare for the next stage of the competition, Belinda will hope to build on this performance and continue proving herself on the world stage.

Ghana’s Black Maidens have booked their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after securing a 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group C match.

The Ghanaian side delivered when it mattered most, with Linda Achiaa opening the scoring in the 65th minute to put the Black Maidens in front.

Christiana Ashiaku then sealed the victory in the 90th minute plus five, confirming all three points for Ghana.

The win also saw goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie record her first clean sheet of the tournament, keeping Canada at bay as Ghana secured a crucial victory.

The result takes Ghana to four points from three matches, securing second place in Group C and a place in the knockout stage.

After opening their campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Norway, the Black Maidens bounced back with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Brazil before producing a decisive performance against Canada.

The qualification marks a significant achievement for coach Joe Nana Adarkwa and his young team, who have shown resilience and determination to keep their World Cup campaign alive.

With their place in the Round of 16 secured, the Black Maidens will now turn their attention to the knockout stage as they continue their quest for glory in Morocco.