Alexandra Tay backs Ghana to make U-20 World Cup history in Poland

Alexandra Tay believes Ghana can reach the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time when the 2026 tournament begins in Poland. The Black Princesses open their campaign against Ecuador on 6 September before facing Korea Republic and France in Group play.

Tay is preparing for her second consecutive appearance at the competition after representing Ghana at the 2024 edition in Colombia. That experience has helped the centre-back understand the demands of youth international football and strengthened her belief that Ghana can handle the challenge ahead.

The defender has been part of Ghana’s preparations in Poland and said the squad has combined strong motivation with a clear desire to achieve a new landmark. The team’s immediate focus, however, is the opening fixture against Ecuador rather than the wider ambition of progressing through the tournament.

Tay said her time in Colombia reinforced the importance of concentrating on each match. Ghana must first secure a positive result against Ecuador before turning to the meetings with Korea Republic and France, which will decide whether the Black Princesses can move beyond the group stage.

The Ghana defender also intends to use her role in the middle of the defence to improve the team’s organisation. She has worked on her composure and communication since the previous World Cup and believes those qualities can help provide stability from the centre of the back line.

Ghana’s Under-20 team has never advanced from the group stage at the competition. Tay said the squad wants to take full advantage of its opportunity in Poland, progress as far as possible and reward the continued support of those following the Black Princesses.