Members of the Ghana women’s national under-20 football team are reportedly refusing to leave camp following their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup due to unpaid per diems.
The Black Princesses secured a place at the tournament in Poland after overcoming Uganda women’s national under-20 football team in the final qualifying round, but concerns over outstanding payments have now overshadowed the achievement.
According to reports, the players are yet to receive allowances covering the team’s previous two qualification camps, including fixtures against South Africa women’s national under-20 football team and Uganda.
Charles Sampson’s side faced South Africa earlier in the qualifiers, playing the first leg in Accra before travelling away for the return fixture. The team later repeated the same schedule against Uganda in the decisive round.
Sources close to the team indicate there are concerns within camp that discussions regarding the unpaid per diems may lose momentum once players return home, contributing to the squad’s reluctance to disperse.
Although the players are still awaiting full payment, the Ghana Football Association is reported to have provided the squad with stipends after their return to Accra.
The Black Princesses confirmed qualification for the World Cup last weekend after securing a 1-1 draw in Kampala in the second leg of the final qualifying tie. Ghana had won the first encounter 2-1 at home, ensuring progression on aggregate.
The qualification marks the eighth straight appearance for Ghana at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with the team having featured in each of the previous seven editions.