Black Princesses head coach Charles Sampson has expressed optimism ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, backing his team to progress beyond the group stage and make a strong impact at the tournament.

The Ghana U-20 women’s team edged Uganda in a two-legged affair to secure qualification for the global tournament to be staged in Poland later this year.

This achievement marks the Black Princesses’ eighth consecutive qualification for the World Cup, further underlining their rise in women’s football on the global stage.

Sampson, while maintaining a balanced sense of realism, says he is confident in the quality and collective spirit within his squad.

“I hope the Black Princesses go through the group stage at the World Cup and also go as far as possible. I am a very optimistic person, but also a bit realistic about what is around,” he told the GFA’s Podcast hosted by Patrick Akoto.

“Honestly, I have so much trust in the group of players we have. I do because I am not seeing individualism in this group. I believe in collective work, and I see the ideas we have implemented since January 2025,” he explained.

Sampson believes the steady development of the team under his guidance is a strong indicator of their potential on the global stage.

“Seeing the growth of the team today, I know that we have something there that we can explore,” he added.

The Black Princesses’ qualification once again underlines Ghana’s strong presence in youth women’s football, with the team now turning its focus towards preparation camps, tactical refinement, and international friendlies ahead of the tournament.

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in Poland from September 5 to 27, 2026.