U-20 Women's World Cup: Black Princesses hit by seven-player injury blow ahead of tournament

Ghana's Black Princesses have suffered a major injury setback ahead of the 2026 Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland, with seven players ruled out of the tournament.

The Black Princesses have been drawn in Group C alongside Ecuador, South Korea and France, but will have to navigate the competition without several key members of their squad.

Captain Linda Owusu Ansah is among the most notable absentees after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on senior international duty with the Black Queens at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

The AFC Toronto defender played an important role during Ghana's qualification campaign, scoring the decisive free-kick against Uganda to secure the team's place at the World Cup.

Ghana's goalkeeping options have also been severely affected, with Asana Osman, Grace Andoh and Jenna Kayla Sarpong all sidelined through injury.

The Black Princesses will further be without forwards Mercy Attobrah and Mary Amponsah, leaving the team short of attacking options ahead of the tournament.

Midfielder Jessica Appiah completes the list of seven injured players, forcing head coach Yussif Basigi's technical team to make significant adjustments to their plans before the competition begins.

Despite the setbacks, the remaining members of the Black Princesses have arrived in Krakow for their final preparations.

Ghana will begin their campaign against Ecuador on 6 September before facing South Korea and France in the group stage.

The tournament will mark Ghana's eighth consecutive appearance at the Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup, but the team's preparations have been overshadowed by the loss of several key players.

With the opening match against Ecuador fast approaching, the Black Princesses will hope their remaining squad members can overcome the injury crisis and make a strong start to their World Cup campaign.