Black Maidens fall to Japan in U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals

Ghana’s Black Maidens bowed out of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Japan in the quarter-finals.

Nanami Kurita scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute to send Japan into the semi-finals and end Ghana’s hopes of progressing further in the competition.

The Black Maidens battled to stay in the contest but were unable to find an equaliser against a disciplined Japanese side.

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Ghana advanced to the quarter-finals after eliminating Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the round of 16.

Jessica Appiah Asamoah scored Ghana’s goal against Argentina in the 16th minute before converting the decisive penalty to seal the victory.

However, the defeat to Japan brings the team’s campaign to an end, denying Ghana a place in the last four of the tournament.

Watch match highlight below:

Ghana 🆚 Japan

#U17WWC https://t.co/m1xEdvh2aa

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) November 1, 2026