In Summary: drawn in Group B with Korea Republic, Ecuador and New Caledonia, the Cubs will be seeking to build on its historic Round of 16 finish at the 2025 tournament.
Kampala, Uganda — Uganda U-17 head coach Laryea Kingston has named a 21-man squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.
The squad features three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and six forwards, with players drawn from clubs, schools and youth academies across the country.
Goalkeepers Hamidu Kasumba, Adrian Mukwanga and Ashraf Lukyamuzi have been selected, while the defensive options include Ssali Mwesigwa, Eze Kombi, Musa Suuna, Ukashsa Jemba, Travor Mubiru and Mujad Mbalire.
In midfield, Kingston has selected John Owino, Henry Muhoozi, Arnold Kayemba, Yusuf Ssenyonga, Isima Magala and Brian Olwa. The attacking department comprises Abdulshakur Babi, Joseph Dorongin, Owen Mukisa, Fahad Ismail, Junior Ofoyrwoth and Arafat Ibanda.
The Cubs will be making their second consecutive appearance at the global tournament after reaching the Round of 16 on their debut in 2025.
Uganda secured qualification for the Qatar edition after overcoming Ghana in a play-off at the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco. The match ended 2-2 in regulation time before Uganda prevailed 8-7 in the penalty shoot-out.
Uganda drawn in Group B
The Cubs have been drawn in Group B alongside Korea Republic, Ecuador and New Caledonia. They will begin the campaign against Korea on November 19 before taking on Ecuador on November 22. The team will conclude its group-stage fixtures against New Caledonia on November 25.
All three matches are scheduled to be played at Doha Sports City.
Uganda made history at the 2025 edition by becoming the first Ugandan national football team to compete at a FIFA World Cup. The Cubs progressed to the Round of 16 after recording two wins, two draws and one defeat.
They registered a 1-0 victory over France in the group stage and defeated Senegal by the same scoreline in the Round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso on penalties in the Round of 16.
The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 12 groups of four, with the final scheduled for Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
Uganda Cubs’ 21-man squad
Goalkeepers: Hamidu Kasumba (Vipers SC), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC).
Defenders: Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College FC), Musa Suuna (Amus College FC), Ukashsa Jemba (KCCA FC), Travor Mubiru (Vipers SC), Mujad Mbalire (Masaka SS).
Midfielders: John Owino (Vipers SC), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College FC), Arnold Kayemba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Isima Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Programme).
Forwards: Abdulshakur Babi (Buddo SS), Joseph Dorongin (Rays of Grace Academy), Owen Mukisa (Vipers SC), Fahad Ismail (KCCA FC), Junior Ofoyrwoth (Masaka Sunshine FC), Arafat Ibanda (NEC FC).
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