Uganda will be looking to strengthen their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on Botswana later today at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
The Group G encounter kicks off at 4:00 PM GMT and could prove decisive in shaping the race for qualification.
Probable lineups
Botswana: Kgosipula, Velaphi, Nganda, Gaolaolwe, Johnson, Maponda, Ditsele, Mohutsiwa, Sesinyi, Orebonye, Fortune.
Uganda: Magoola, Sibbick, Capradossi, Obita, Kayondo, Semakula, Aucho, Ssemugabi, Okello, Mato, Mukwala.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Botswana vs Uganda – Where to watch the match?
Momentum and stakes
The Cranes currently sit second in Group G and remain in contention to overtake leaders Algeria. With just two rounds left, every point matters, and a win in Francistown would keep Uganda’s World Cup dream alive heading into the final Matchday.
Coach Paul Put’s side have shown flashes of quality throughout the campaign, winning five of their eight fixtures. Their only major setbacks came in a narrow defeat to Algeria and a frustrating stalemate with Mozambique earlier in the qualifiers. Since then, Uganda have regrouped with renewed purpose, grinding out important wins and maintaining one of the group’s best defensive records, conceding just seven goals so far.
Botswana vs Uganda preview: Cranes eye crucial win in World Cup Qualifiers
Team form and outlook
Uganda’s form in 2024 has been encouraging, with four victories from six matches, reflecting a side growing in cohesion and belief. The Cranes have displayed tactical discipline and resilience, making them favourites to claim all three points against a struggling Botswana side.
For the Zebras, pride and redemption are the main motivators. Already out of the qualification picture, they’ll hope to give their home fans something to cheer about and avenge their earlier 4–3 defeat to Uganda in the reverse fixture — one of the most thrilling contests of the campaign.
However, Botswana’s recent form has been bleak. They have lost five of their last six games across all competitions and have failed to find the net in any of their last five outings. With morale low and Uganda in strong form, the hosts face an uphill battle to contain the Cranes’ momentum.
