FIFA U-17 World Cup draw pits Uganda against football giants France

Photo by FUFA Media.

In a landmark moment for Ugandan football, the Uganda U-17 national team, the Cubs, will face formidable opponents France, Chile and Canada in their debut at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The tournament, which will take place from November 3 to 27, marks Uganda's first-ever appearance at this prestigious youth competition. The draw, held on Sunday, May 25, at Raffles Hotel in Doha, Qatar, placed Uganda in Group K alongside some of world football's heavyweights.

This year’s edition of the U-17 World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanded into 12 groups of four, setting the stage for an exciting and challenging tournament. Uganda secured their place in the World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over The Gambia in a high-pressure playoff during the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last month.

A standout performance from James Bogere, who netted both goals in the first half, helped propel the Cubs to their historic qualification. The forward, who remains a key player for the team, will be crucial as they face their toughest challenges yet on the world stage.

The Cubs were seeded in Pot 4, alongside renowned youth football nations like Portugal, Ireland, and Egypt. While Uganda enters as one of the underdogs in the competition, their qualification journey and rising momentum have fueled optimism among fans and analysts alike.

The draw has set a tough course for the Cubs, with France, a former U-17 World Cup champion, a perennial contender at this level; Chile, known for its strong youth football programs in South America; and Canada, a team that has been steadily improving on the international stage.

Each opponent presents a unique challenge, but Uganda’s qualification has shown that they can hold their own against top-tier teams. This historic debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup represents a proud moment for Ugandan football, as the nation continues to establish itself on the global youth football scene.