Do-or-Die Battle: Uganda Cubs seek historic knockout qualification against France at FIFA U17 World Cup

Uganda’s U17 national team, the Cubs, are bracing for their most crucial encounter yet as they take on European giants France in their final FIFA U17 World Cup group match in Qatar — a must-win tie that will determine their fate in the tournament.

After holding Chile to a 1-1 draw and narrowly losing 2-1 to Canada, Uganda sit third in Group K with a single point. To progress automatically, the Cubs must pull off a massive win — beating France by at least four goals — or hope other results favor them to advance among the best third-placed teams.

Head coach Brian Ssenyondo remains confident despite the uphill task ahead. “Tomorrow is a must-win. You win, you stay; you lose, you go home. We have to risk everything,” he emphasized after the team’s final training session at Al Thumama Stadium.

Ssenyondo also commended his young charges for their fighting spirit, especially after Derrick Ssozi’s late equalizer against Chile reignited Uganda’s hopes. “France is a big team, but we are a big team too. The pressure is there, but it drives us. We know what’s at stake, and I believe we’ll get the result we need,” he said with conviction.

Midfielder Jovan Mukisa, who has started in both group matches, echoed his coach’s confidence, highlighting how the team has matured throughout the competition. “The experience from playing Canada and Chile has prepared us well. France might be different, but we can still compete and put up a strong fight,” he noted.

France top the group on four points, level with Canada, while Uganda and Chile each have one. With everything on the line, the Cubs will need a perfect blend of precision, composure, and belief when they step onto Aspire Zone Pitch 3 for Tuesday’s 3:30 pm kickoff — knowing that in this final group battle, there’s truly no retreat, no surrender.

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