Black Maidens to face Argentina in U-17 World Cup round of 16

Ghana’s under-17 women’s national team, the Black Maidens, have secured a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The qualification follows a decisive 2-0 victory over Canada, ensuring Ghana finished second in Group C. This achievement marks a successful return to the global stage for the team after missing the last three editions of the tournament, with their last appearance in the knockout rounds dating back to 2018.The Black Maidens are now set to face Argentina in the round of 16 on October 28 at 18:00 GMT in Rabat. While Ghana is celebrating its return to form, Argentina enters the fixture as tournament debutants. Despite their lack of historical experience in this competition, the South American side has shown strong form, winning two of their three group matches. Ghana progressed with a mixed record but carries significant momentum following the shutout win against Canada.Head coach Nana Joe Adarkwa has expressed high ambitions for his squad as they prepare for the elimination phase. Adarkwa stated that the team is eyeing the ultimate "glory" of winning the 2026 trophy, noting that his players are highly motivated to continue their winning ways. The coach emphasized that the victory over Canada has provided a necessary psychological boost, reinforcing the players' belief that they can compete with the world's best.The upcoming clash in Rabat is seen as a critical test for the Ghanaian side as they look to re-establish themselves as a powerhouse in women's youth football. After the hiatus from the global stage, advancing past the round of 16 would represent a significant milestone for the program. Fans across Ghana are expected to follow the Monday evening fixture closely as the Maidens pursue a path toward the final.