The dream is finally real, Uganda’s U-17 national football team, the Cubs, will make history in Qatar as the first-ever Ugandan side at any level to feature in a FIFA World Cup.
Head coach Brian Ssenyondo has officially unveiled his final 21-man squad, a blend of youthful talent and fearless ambition, ready to carry the hopes of Uganda and East Africa onto the world stage.
The announcement came on Thursday from the team’s training base in Dubai, where the Cubs wrapped up a productive camp featuring three intense friendlies against fellow World Cup participants Venezuela, Panama, and Paraguay. The matches, which ended in one draw and two narrow defeats, offered a final glimpse of Ssenyondo’s tactical blueprint and the team’s readiness for the global challenge ahead.
History in the making!
Uganda U-17 Men’s National Team is ready to shine in the U-17 @FIFAWorldCup
2025 in Qatar 🇶🇦#FIFAU17WC pic.twitter.com/5jy7syHcyy— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 29, 2025
The squad departs for Doha on Saturday, November 1, and will open their campaign against Canada on Wednesday, November 5, at the Aspire Zone. Uganda will then take on Chile on November 8 before wrapping up their group fixtures against France on November 11, a schedule that pits them against some of the finest youth setups in world football.
“This is not just about participation,” said leader of delegation Ariga Rasoul, emphasizing the magnitude of the moment. “It’s an opportunity for our boys to show the world how far Ugandan football has come. We want to play with confidence, discipline, and pride.”
The team’s composition mirrors the steady rise of Uganda’s youth football ecosystem, with players drawn from premier academies such as KCCA Soccer Academy, Vipers Junior Team, Proline Soccer Academy, and St. Mary’s Kitende, institutions that have become synonymous with nurturing the country’s next generation of stars.
Among the standout names in the travelling party are James Bogere of KCCA SA and Richard Okello of Proline SA, dynamic forwards tipped to be Uganda’s biggest attacking threats in Qatar. Their performances, alongside emerging midfield orchestrators like Abubakali Walusimbi and Nuwagaba Kamurungi, could determine how deep the Cubs go in their maiden World Cup journey.
Fixtures
We can’t wait!
History in the making!
Uganda U-17 Men’s National Team is ready to shine in the U-17 @FIFAWorldCup
2025 in Qatar 🇶🇦#FIFAU17WC pic.twitter.com/wUn5QvoSwH— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 31, 2025
The 48-team tournament, scheduled from November 3 to 27, will be watched closely by scouts from some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Barcelona, Ajax, and RB Leipzig, all in the hunt for the next global prodigies.
While Uganda’s inclusion is historic, Ssenyondo’s focus remains on performance rather than sentiment. The youthful tactician insists the Cubs are not just in Qatar to make up the numbers.
“Our goal is to compete, not just to participate,” he said after the team’s final training session in Dubai. “The boys have shown great attitude and hunger. We know what it means to represent Uganda and East Africa at this level.”
As the countdown begins, anticipation is at fever pitch back home. From Kampala’s buzzing football circles to school fields across the country, the Cubs’ journey has ignited belief that Ugandan football can finally stand tall among the world’s elite.
Uganda U-17 squad for FIFA U-17 World Cup (Qatar)
Goalkeepers: Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC JT), Edrine Wabbi (Buddo SS), Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC JT);
Defenders: Jovan Mukisa (NEC FC JT), Hamuza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC SA), Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Abdul Ntege (Maroons FC JT);
Midfielders: Brain Jjara (KCCA FC SA), Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers FC JT), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Nuwagaba Kamurungi (St. Mary’s Kitende), John Owino (Jinja SSS);
Forwards: James Bogere (KCCA SA), Richard Okello (Proline SA), Simon Wanyama (St. Mary’s Kitende), Shakur Magogo (Proline SA), Arafat Nkoola (St. Mary’s Kitende), Enock Bagenda (KCCA SA).
With hearts full of hope and eyes set on Qatar, the Cubs are not just chasing victory, they’re chasing history for Uganda and for East Africa.
