Black Maidens draw Norway, Brazil, and Canada in U-17 World Cup Group C

Ghana’s national Under-17 women’s football team, the Black Maidens, have been drawn into Group C for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Morocco. The draw pairs Ghana with Norway, Brazil, and Canada in a challenging group that will test the Maidens' aspirations for global glory. The team is currently fine-tuning its strategy as it prepares to represent the nation on the world stage.

The tournament schedule for the Black Maidens begins on October 18, when they will face Norway in their opening fixture. This will be followed by a crucial encounter against South American giants Brazil on October 22, before they conclude their group stage campaign against Canada on October 24. These matches will be pivotal for the team as they aim to progress into the knockout stages of the competition.

In preparation for the tournament, Head Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has led the squad through an intensive two-week training camp in Casablanca. During this period, the team engaged in international friendlies to test their readiness, recording a loss against China and a victory over Kenya. These matches have provided the technical team with valuable insights into the squad's strengths and areas requiring adjustment before the tournament officially kicks off.

The Black Maidens carry a proud history into the 2026 edition, having previously secured a bronze medal in 2012. Additionally, the team has reached the quarter-finals on three separate occasions, establishing themselves as a consistent force in youth women's football. With their return to the world stage in Morocco, the squad aims to build on these past successes and potentially surpass their previous best performance.