Ghana’s Black Princesses have been hit by a major injury crisis ahead of the 2026 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, with seven key players ruled out of the tournament.
The Black Princesses have been drawn in Group C alongside Ecuador, South Korea and France, but their preparations have been disrupted by a series of injuries affecting players in every department.
Captain Linda Owusu Ansah is among the most notable absentees after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Owusu Ansah sustained the injury while representing Ghana’s senior women’s team, the Black Queens, at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The AFC Toronto defender played a key role in the Black Princesses’ qualification campaign, scoring the decisive free-kick against Uganda to secure Ghana’s place at the World Cup.
Her absence leaves coach Yaw Sampson facing a major leadership and defensive challenge ahead of the tournament.
Ghana’s goalkeeping options have also been severely affected, with Asana Osman, Grace Andoh and Jenna Kayla Sarpong all sidelined by injuries.
The injury problems extend into attack, where forwards Mercy Attobrah and Mary Amponsah will also miss the tournament.
Midfielder Jessica Appiah completes the list of seven injured players, further limiting Sampson’s options as he prepares his team for the competition.
Despite the setbacks, the remaining members of the Black Princesses have arrived at their pre-tournament training camp in Krakow as preparations continue.
Ghana will begin their eighth consecutive appearance at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup against Ecuador on 6 September.
They will then face South Korea and France as they attempt to navigate a challenging Group C and make a strong impression in Poland.
With several key players unavailable, Sampson will now have to reshape his tactical plans and rely heavily on the remaining members of the squad.
