2026 U-17 World Cup (Women): Ghana bow out in quarter-finals

The Black Maidens were eliminated by Japan (1-0) and will not reach the last four

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2026 U-17 World Cup (Women): Ghana bow out in quarter-finals

Ghana’s dream came to an end against Japan. The Black Maidens exited the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 quarter-final defeat on Sunday in Morocco. A difficult elimination for Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side, who had hoped to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2012.

A Japanese goal ends Ghana’s run

After qualifying following a penalty shootout against Argentina in the round of 16, the Ghanaian players approached this tie determined to continue their adventure. But against Japan, they struggled to develop their game. The Asians took control of the match thanks to their technical mastery and ability to circulate the ball.

Japan Break Quarter-Final Curse, Edge Ghana 1-0 to Reach U-17 Women’s World Cup Semis. Japan advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana on Sunday, November 1, at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé. Nanami Kurita scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, pouncing after Ghana’s goalkeeper spilled a low cross from Fuki Ito. The strike ended a tense, scoreless first half and proved enough to secure the win in a tightly contested match. The result ends Japan’s recent quarter-final jinx. After winning the title in 2014 and finishing runners-up in 2016, the Little Nadeshiko had exited in the last eight in four consecutive tournaments. Under coach Sadayoshi Shirai, they now face the winner of North Korea versus the United States in the semi-finals on November 4. Ghana, coached by Joe Nana Adarkwa, saw their campaign end despite a resilient performance. The Black Maidens had reached the quarter-finals after beating Argentina on penalties in the round of 16. Japan’s clinical display keeps their hopes of a second world title alive in Morocco.
— JAS (@JasADRxquisites) November 1, 2026

The difference came in the 54th minute, when Nanami Kurita scored the only goal of the match. Despite their attempts to level the score, the Black Maidens were unable to find a way through. The statistics reflect the difficulties Ghana faced: just three shots, including one on target, compared with Japan’s 16 attempts, five of which were on target.

A campaign defined by resilience

The elimination should not overshadow the efforts made by the Ghanaian players throughout the tournament. After a heavy 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening match, they showed a different side against Brazil, earning a thrilling 3-3 draw. They then defeated Canada 2-0, a result that allowed them to continue in the competition.

Ghana eliminated from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Ghana’s campaign has come to an end after a 0-1 defeat to Japan in the quarter-finals. Nanami Kurita scored the only goal of the match in the 54th minute as Japan advanced to the semi-finals. Results: 🇳🇴 Norway 3-0 Ghana 🇬🇭 Ghana 3-3 Brazil 🇬🇭 Ghana 2-0 Canada 🇦🇷 Argentina 1-1 Ghana (Ghana won 5-4 on penalties) 🇯🇵 Japan 1-0 Ghana The Black Maidens reached the last eight after finishing second in Group C, but their run ended against Japan. #AdemolaSports #U17WWC #Morocco2026
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) November 1, 2026

In the round of 16, the Black Maidens once again showed their character against Argentina. After a 1-1 draw, they won the penalty shootout to secure their place in the quarter-finals, despite playing the end of the match with a numerical disadvantage. This exit represents another disappointment for Ghanaian women’s football. The country enjoyed its best run in 2012, reaching the semi-finals before finishing on the podium thanks to a 1-0 victory over Germany in the third-place play-off.

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