The action gets under way at 15:00 local time, with Germany taking on Argentina in Group A, while DPR Korea face Puerto Rico in the opening match of Group B. 

At 18:00 local time, hosts Morocco will step onto the pitch to face New Zealand in Group B. Meanwhile, Poland and Nigeria will complete the opening round of matches in Group A. 

Statistics and fixtures for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 are available on FIFA.com. Editorial assets for accredited media representatives will be available from tomorrow via FIFA Media Hub. 

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup features an innovative tournament format, with matches played across different pitches within the Mohammed VI Football Complex and a fan zone offering activities for visitors of all ages. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets at fifa.com/tickets.

Credit: FIFA

Ghana went into the game hoping to secure maximum points to qualify from the group stage for the first time in the team’s history.

The Princesses had an early chance to take the lead but Priscilla Mensah’s effort was ruled out for offside. Ghana remained resolute in defence to deny the French and ended the first half goalless.

After the recess, France broke the deadlock with an early goal in the 54th minute before doubling their lead in the 68th minute.

Ruth Amponsah committed a handball inside the 18-yard box and France were awarded a penalty, which they converted to make it 3-0. France took the game beyond the Princesses when they scored in the 85th minute to end the game 4-0.

The result means the Princesses are eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup despite an amazing 3-1 victory over South Korea in the second Group C game.

Credit: Ghana FA

The Princesses started on the right foot, creating an early goal-scoring chance through Agnes Yeboah, but her effort was parried to safety. Ghana pushed for a goal before half-time but their efforts were futile as they ended the half goalless.

After the break, Sarah Nyarko opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a wonderful long-range strike. Ivy Osei Owusu doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a solo effort on the right flank, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper.

Substitute Ruth Amponsah scored in the 84th minute after a great team move from the centre-half to give the Princesses a three-goal lead.

South Korea pulled one back in added time to end the game 3-1 in favour of the Black Princesses.

The Black Princesses did enough to keep South Korea at bay and will now shift their focus to their final group game against France on September 12, 2026.

Credit: Ghana FA

This star-studded show will feature performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, as well as a special appearance by Tom Cruise, bringing together some of the world’s biggest names in music and entertainment for an unforgettable celebration before kick-off.

Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson will deliver a special rendition of the United States national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. One of the world’s most celebrated performers, Hudson’s powerful performance will set the stage for football’s biggest match and the most anticipated moment of the tournament.

Produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the closing ceremony will celebrate the passion, emotion and global spirit that have defined the 23rd FIFA World Cup: a game-changing event featuring 48 teams that has shattered records and inspired a new generation of girls and boys around the world to dream. More artists and special guests will be announced over the coming days.

“Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament,” said Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer – FIFA World Cup 2026.

Fans at the stadium will have an active role to play in the show and should plan to arrive early, as the closing ceremony begins at 13:30 local time, 90 minutes before kick-off. Gates open at 11:00 (four hours before the start of the match), when a full suite of experiences will begin, including exclusive activations, rewards and additional pre-match entertainment.

Credit: FIFA

The encounter is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off set for 3:30GMT.

Twanyanyukwa will be assisted by Diana Chikotesha of Zambia as Assistant Referee 1 and Carine Atezambong Fomoof Cameroon as Assistant Referee 2. Fellow Namibian Nuusiku Vistoria Shangula has been appointed as the fourth official.

Off the pitch, Sainabou Cham of The Gambia will serve as the match commissioner, while Faith Uwugiaren Irabor of Nigeria has been named the referee assessor.

The Black Maidens are aiming to secure a positive result on home soil to seal a return to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup tournament.

Credit: Ghana FA

Their campaign combined defensive discipline with attacking efficiency, conceding just once in three games while finding goals through Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán. They secured first place ahead of their final group match, allowing head coach Néstor Lorenzo to rotate in Matchday 3.

The Black Stars survived a dramatic Group L to reach the knockouts. Carlos Queiroz’s side finished third with 4 points — 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss — after beating Panama, drawing with England, and falling 2-1 to Croatia in Philadelphia. Ghana’s progression to the Round of 32 was confirmed on goal difference, setting up a knockout date with Colombia.

Group results no longer matter. Colombia enter as favorites after a controlled group campaign, but Ghana have already shown they can live with tournament heavyweights, holding England to a goalless draw before a narrow defeat to Croatia.

For Ghana, this is the real World Championship starting now. For Colombia, it’s a chance to match their 2014 quarterfinal run and prove their Group K form was no fluke.

What to Watch

Colombia’s Press vs Ghana’s Midfield — Jefferson Lerma and Kevin Castaño will look to disrupt Thomas Partey and Kwasi Sibo. Ghana’s ability to play through the press with Partey’s passing will be key.

Wide Battles — Luis Díaz against Marvin Senaya is a headline matchup. On the other side, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah and Antoine Semenyo offer Ghana pace in transition.

Set Pieces — Ghana scored via Derrick Luckassen’s header vs Croatia. Colombia are strong aerially with Davinson Sánchez and Yerry Mina.

Colombia bring form, rhythm, and a settled XI into Kansas City. Ghana bring a coach who believes qualification is just a credit card.  The match will be played on Saturday, July 4, at 01:30 (5:30am – Sunday, July 5 in Ghana) at Kansas City Stadium. The winner moves to the Round of 16.

Credit: Ghana FA

The defender headed Ghana level in the 73rd minute at Lincoln Financial Field, but Nikola Vlasic’s late winner meant Carlos Queiroz’s side finished Group L with a defeat.

“Yes, it was a nice feeling to score. But I’m a bit disappointed about the loss,” Luckassen said.

“First half, very different style. Second half, very different style. I think first half we had the ball, but we didn’t do a lot with it. We were just playing around.”

“Second half, I think we pressed forward. We tried to put the balls in, and it was a lot better in the second half, in my opinion.”

Ghana had already secured qualification before kickoff but Luckassen insisted the target was still three points.

“Before the match, we want to win every game. Obviously, we knew that we were through, but you want to win every match and that’s what we tried today as well. We are trying to do our best, to give our best and every game we are trying to make the nation proud. On to the next game, we have to keep on going.”

On Ghana’s progression, he added: “It’s very important. We are through and that’s the most important. We hope we can come even further because that is what we want and we will give our best to come further.”

Luckassen said the Black Stars’ run reflects a wider trend: “I think it’s big for all the African countries. You can see that everybody is improving. There are very good national teams in Africa, and I think you can see it in this World Cup.”

Credit for Ghana’s structure went to Queiroz. “I think discipline. We are disciplined. We know what we have to do and he’s clear in what he wants from the team.”

Ghana now face Colombia in the Round of 32 on July 4 in Kansas City.

Credit: Ghana FA

In a speech to the players, the MTN Ghana boss described the team as a pride of the nation, and urged them to stay motivated, confident and determined.

He affirmed MTN Ghana’s unwavering support for the team’s quest to progress further in the tournament, and extended the company’s best wishes to the national team in anticipation of the round of 32 clash against Colombia on Friday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“The whole nation is behind the Black Stars,” he said, urging the players to give their all and continue making the country proud.

Acknowledging their impressive qualification to the next round, MTN Ghana have reposed a massive dose of confidence in the Black to progress further, encouraging the players to give their all and make the nation proud as they seek a place in the Round of 16.

“MTN Ghana wishes the Black Stars every success in their crucial knockout fixture. We believe in the team’s determination, resilience and fighting spirit, and we are confident they have what it takes to secure victory and progress to the next stage of the competition,” said an MTN statement.

The company also advised Ghanaians to get behind the team with unwavering support, in belief that the Black Stars will deliver a memorable performance and continue their impressive World Cup journey.

The company wished the team the very best, expressing optimism that the Black Stars will overcome Colombia, advance to the next round, and continue their quest for World Cup glory.

Petar Sucic opened the scoring in the 31st minute, but Derrick Luckassen cancelled out the lead with a header in the 73rd minute. Nikola Vlasic then grabbed the winner for Croatia in the 83rd minute.

Ghana pushed for a late equalizer, with Antoine Semenyo forcing Dominik Livakovic into a save in the 87th minute before Thomas Partey’s 25-yard drive flew over in stoppage time.

Below are photos from the game:

Credit: Ghana FA

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Queiroz called Saturday’s Group L finale another battle against a great team with wonderful, experienced players.

Read on for the transcript:

“For sure it will be tough, intensive for both sides. But at the end of the day, I do believe it will be a lot of fun and entertainment for everybody,” he said. “I hope, with the inspiration of my players, that we will be able to express good football. The best football on the day, on the pitch.”

“And if we are able to do that, I’m sure that we will be more close to winning. Which is the target that we have in our mind, to play for winning, as always. So, that’s it. Simple like that. We are ready for the match tomorrow.”

“Entertainment is winning”

Queiroz pushed back on criticism of Ghana’s defensive display in the 0-0 draw with England, redefining his version of entertainment.

“For me, entertainment in this game, some people call it football, I call it the winning business,” he said. “It is to fight 90 minutes for the result to win. The only medicine that works in football is to win and see everybody happy around us.”

“For some people, when they see a game with a result 6-1 or 7-1, it is entertainment for one side. The others are the clowns on the pitch. I was not born to play that role, and I don’t want my players when they play one game, they don’t put everything in the game to win the game, to compete at a high level.”

“So, for me, it is the meaning of entertainment. Emotional, technically, drama in the game. I think the game against England has everything. Drama, emotion, the effort, sacrifices of the players. It was wonderful.”

“I think tomorrow it will be another game. We will see if the game is rock and roll, samba, tango, I don’t know. One thing is sure; both teams have to be ready to play the game that is in front of us.”

“At the end, for me, I like to leave the pitch proud of myself, proud of my players, proud of the work they did for the fans. When the fans are happy, we can be happy. Because we work in the entertainment business and that is our job, to make people happy.”

To win is very expensive

Queiroz said Ghana must embrace the moment after grinding out four points from two games.

“If you check the results in this World Cup, the number of draws and some surprises, to win in football, especially at this level, it is very expensive,” he said. “You have to pay a lot of sacrifices and efforts to be able to win or get one result. So, when you achieve those moments, if you don’t celebrate, when are you going to celebrate?”

He said his animated touchline reaction against England was a message to supporters. “My body language at the end of the day was to share my feelings with the Ghana fans. Because I felt that before the World Cup around our boys, our team, there was a lot of hesitation, suspicions, not confidence.”

“To engage and bring the player number 12 inside the pitch is very important for us… The boys, nobody more than the boys want to win the game. But sometimes it is important that player number 12 also understands his role in the game.”

Only one game: Croatia

With Ghana joint top of Group L on four points, Queiroz refused to discuss permutations or Thomas Partey’s visa situation for a potential Canada return.

“The game of football is so difficult. You cannot play two or three games at the same time. We just focus on one game, which is Croatia, and get results,” he said. “Play good football. With good football, be better than them on the pitch. That’s what we’re going to try to do. Fight more, be better.”

“When the results come at the end of the game, we’ll be there to make decisions, if we’re first, second or third… But important is to play one game. Only one game. And the game is big enough tomorrow against Croatia to play other games outside the pitch.”

On Partey’s Canada issue: “Your question should be addressed to the visa authorities of Canada not to me… If you ask me if I agree with that, I don’t agree with that. But as members of the press, you have the power to ask the right questions to people.”

“Tomorrow, we have one game. We’re going to play the best we can, fight as much as possible to get the best result. And the best result is to be number one.”

VAR and penalties

Queiroz said Ghana “should be qualified with six points” after missed penalty calls and blasted VAR’s progress.

“VAR was born in 2016. 2018 was the first World Cup. Ten years is gone. There is no excuse, no reason for VAR not to be better than this,” he said. “It’s time for FIFA authorities to review what has been happening behind the scenes.”

“When VAR comes it was to help the referees to referee and make good decisions. And we hope that will be better in the next few years.”

“We have a good rate scoring penalties and we believe that if the penalties happen, we should be qualified already. But Croatia deserves our respect, full respect.”

We attacked for 90 minutes vs England

Responding to suggestions Ghana were overly defensive against England, Queiroz was adamant: “By the way, when you talk about defensive, it is wrong. We played 90 minutes against England attacking.”

“I’m going to probably share something next time you have to pay for these lessons, but we played the game 90 minutes attacking — attacking the players, attacking the spaces, attacking the ball, attacking the English team.”

“This is a power approach in the mind when you don’t have the ball and you have to have this attitude of attacking. We will be in the space before they arrive. We fight for the ball before they come. We attack the space, we attack the ball, we attack the free players, 90 minutes. It was fantastic.”

On 1970s/80s Italy comparisons

‘’First of all, you talk about Italy in the 70s and 80s. I was there, the people was happy. And I’ve been in Italy three months ago when they’re not qualified. You cannot even imagine what they think about the coaches and the players,” Queiroz said.

“Football, it is all about that. So, for me, it’s simple… It’s winning business. If I have to, and the boys, they showed that, if they have to dance rock and roll 90 minutes, and in one minute score and win, congratulations, son.”

Croatia threat

Queiroz praised Luka Modric as “one of the most brilliant players in football history” but said the 4-2 loss to England flattered the Three Lions.

“I think after I saw the game several times, they even deserve a better result. I think the result four-two was too heavy for Croatia,” he said. “That’s why we are full alert… Tomorrow we only have one option. We have to come out more strong and better.”

Mindset for Saturday

“I only have one way to play the game. It is play for win and that is what we going to do tomorrow,” Queiroz said. “Express ourselves and have the freedom to enjoy and play good football and during 90 minutes with the same concentration and same resilience.”

“The only thing that I ask them is never lose one second in the mind that wish to go there and build up the result to win the game. All our training session have been to create opportunities to score, keep the ball and win.”

“We are not here to make people happy about the defensive appreciation of the game. That is not my job. My job is to make the people of Ghana happy with the result and achievement to make them proud of the performance of the team.”

Ghana face Croatia at 5 p.m. Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field. A win guarantees a Round of 32 place.

Credit: Ghana FA