Ghana’s Black Maidens face Argentina in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16

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.