Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson says the team’s main objective at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is to break their long-standing group-stage jinx and reach the knockout phase for the first time.
The team has intensified preparations after concluding a training camp at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, where they have been based since July 5.
Sampson said he was encouraged by the team’s progress and the intense competition for places as he prepares to name his final squad.
“Training has been very good. All the girls in camp are responding to training very well, and it’s been competitive,” he said.
However, injuries have affected preparations, with several players, including goalkeepers, ruled out.
The Black Princesses are scheduled to play friendly matches in Poland before the tournament to acclimatise and test themselves against international opposition.
Sampson expressed gratitude to the Ghana Football Association for arranging the games, describing them as crucial to the team’s preparations.
Ghana have never progressed beyond the group stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, but Sampson is determined to change that record.
“We want to assure Ghanaians we are going to give our best and progress from the group stage and take it game after game. The main focus is to make it past the group stage for the first time,” he said.
The Black Princesses will open their Group B campaign against Ecuador on September 6 before facing Korea Republic and France.
The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to 27.
