Alexandra Tay is heading into her second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a clear idea of what she wants to achieve with Ghana.
The Black Princesses defender was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2024 tournament in Colombia, where she gained her first experience of playing on one of the biggest stages in youth women’s football. Two years later, she is back, this time in Poland, and believes the experience has helped her become a better and more composed player.
Ghana will begin their campaign against Ecuador on Sunday, September 6, 2026, before facing Korea Republic and France in the remaining Group fixtures. For Tay, however, there is no need to look too far ahead.
She knows Ghana have a difficult group and understands the importance of getting the opening game right before thinking about what could come next.
Tay wants Ghana to make history
The Black Princesses have yet to advance beyond the group stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and Tay wants this generation to change that record.
The defender believes the mood within the squad is positive and says the team has arrived in Poland with both excitement and determination.
“The training has been really good. I think the motivation in the group is really strong right now. Now that we’re in Poland, it’s a good mix of excitement and a real desire to compete and to hunt for something that we haven’t done before. So I think we’re ready to go,” Tay said.
Her comments show that the team is not travelling to Poland simply to gain experience.
There is a clear ambition within the squad to achieve something Ghana’s previous Black Princesses teams have not managed to do by reaching the knockout stage.
That target will not be easy, with Ecuador, Korea Republic and France standing between Ghana and a place in the next round. But Tay believes the team’s preparation has given the players confidence as they prepare to begin the tournament.
Colombia experience changed Tay’s approach
Tay’s first appearance at the U-20 World Cup came in Colombia in 2024.
That tournament gave the defender an opportunity to experience the pressure, intensity and expectations that come with representing Ghana at a global competition.
Now that she has returned for a second tournament, Tay says she understands better how important it is to concentrate on the game directly in front of the team rather than allowing thoughts about later stages to become a distraction.
“I was extremely humbled. I’m always honoured to represent Ghana and to play in a second World Cup. The Under-20 World Cup is an extreme privilege and I’m incredibly grateful to be here. The experience in Colombia in 2024 really emphasised to me how important it is to focus on each game. We have our first game on Sunday and that has to be our first focus.
“We have to look towards that and then take it step by step from there. But that has to be our first priority before we can look at anything else.”
That lesson could prove valuable for Ghana. With three group matches to play, the Black Princesses cannot afford to become distracted by the possibility of reaching the knockout stages before they have taken care of the immediate challenge in front of them.
A different Tay returns to the World Cup
One of the biggest differences between Tay’s two World Cup appearances is the experience she now carries with her.
The 2024 tournament gave her a first taste of international football at this level, while the two years since then have provided more opportunities to develop her game.
Tay believes that growth has been especially important in the way she approaches her responsibilities as a centre-back.
The position requires more than simply making tackles and stopping attacks. A central defender must read the game, communicate with teammates and help organise the players around her.
Why communication matters to Tay
Speaking about her role in the Black Princesses team, Tay highlighted composure and communication as two qualities she wants to bring to the side.
“As a player, I try to bring a level of composure and communication to the game. I’ve really tried to improve in that area, especially as a centre-back and from that central position. So I’m hoping that’s something I can continue to implement in this team now and help us organisationally.”
That responsibility becomes particularly important in a tournament where small mistakes can have a major effect on a team’s chances.
From the centre of defence, Tay will have to communicate with the other defenders and midfielders while helping the team maintain its shape when Ghana are under pressure.
A second World Cup also gives her an opportunity to take on a bigger leadership role within the squad, especially with younger players experiencing the tournament for the first time.
Ghana’s opening match against Ecuador
The Black Princesses will face Ecuador in their opening Group match on September 6.
It will be the first opportunity for Ghana to put their preparation to the test and begin their attempt to reach the knockout stages.
For Tay, the importance of the match is obvious, but she does not want the players to become overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
The team knows what is at stake, but thinking too far ahead could make the task more difficult. Winning the first match would give Ghana an important start and could provide confidence before the next challenges against Korea Republic and France.
France and Korea Republic await
After Ecuador, Ghana will face Korea Republic before completing the group stage against France.
Both matches will present different challenges and will test the Black Princesses in different areas.
France are traditionally a strong force in women’s youth football, while Korea Republic also have considerable experience in international women’s competitions.
For Ghana, the group therefore requires concentration from the opening whistle of the first match until the final group game.
The Black Princesses cannot afford to assume that one result will determine everything, nor can they wait until the final game before finding their best form.
This is why Tay’s insistence on taking the tournament one game at a time is important.
Black Princesses want Ghanaian support
The defender also used the opportunity to thank Ghanaians for their support and called on fans to continue backing the team throughout the tournament.
“We want to advance from the group and go as far as we can. So we thank you for your support as always. We hope you continue to support us on this journey and we’re going to make you proud.”
Ghana has a long history of producing talented women’s footballers, and the U-20 national team has often served as an important pathway for players who later make their mark with the Black Queens and at club level.
For the current generation, reaching the knockout stage would therefore mean more than simply winning a few matches.
It would represent a breakthrough for a team that has struggled to progress beyond the group stage at previous editions.
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