World Cup qualification tops Uganda Cubs’ U17 AFCON agenda

Uganda Cubs captain Owen Mukisa has revealed that the team’s biggest ambition at the forthcoming 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations is securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The continental tournament kicks off on Wednesday in Morocco, with Uganda set to compete among 16 nations battling for African glory and coveted World Cup places.

Uganda faces a stern test in Group B, where they have been paired against Ivory Coast, Cameroon and DR Congo.

Africa has been granted 10 qualification slots for the global tournament in Qatar.

The top two teams from each group will automatically progress to the knockout rounds and book direct tickets to the World Cup, while the remaining two slots will be determined through playoffs involving the third-placed sides.

The Cubs head into the competition encouraged by positive preparations under head coach Laryea Kingston.

The team has spent close to two weeks in Morocco acclimatising and sharpening up for the tournament.

During their training camp, Uganda registered impressive victories in two international friendly matches, defeating Mozambique 3-1 before edging Mali 1-0.

Uganda Cubs captain Mukisa optimistic after friendly match results!

Mukisa believes the results have boosted confidence within the squad ahead of the competition.

“Those two preparation matches have given us confidence, and we now strongly believe we can compete,” Mukisa noted.

“The boys are working hard and doing their level best to achieve the goal. The aim is to reach the World Cup, and then we can think about the rest.”

The East African nation will be making its third appearance at the continental finals, having previously featured in 2019 and 2025, though the Cubs are still seeking their first qualification beyond the group stages.

Last year, under former tactician Brian Ssenyondo, Uganda came close to direct qualification for the World Cup before eventually sealing a historic ticket through the playoff route.

The Cubs earned their place at the AFCON finals after finishing runners-up at the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers in Addis Ababa. Uganda enjoyed an impressive run to the final before suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat to Tanzania in a thrilling showdown.