Uganda Cranes Gear Up for FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers with Star-Studded Squad

Eleven standout players from the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) team have earned their places in the Uganda Cranes squad for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Under the guidance of head coach Paul Joseph Put, these selected players bring a wealth of talent and determination to the national team as they prepare to compete in Group G against formidable opponents Mozambique and Somalia at the renowned Namboole Stadium.

Among those chosen are goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, whose reliable performances have been pivotal, and a solid defensive lineup featuring Rogers Torach Ochaki, Hilary Mukundane, Herbert Achayi, and Gavin Kizito, all ready to fortify the backline.

The midfield brigade includes the dynamic duo of Joel Sserunjogi and Abdul Karim Watambala, who are expected to orchestrate play and dominate the center of the pitch.

Up front, the attacking quartet of Allan Okello, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Reagan Mpande, and Jude Ssemugabi promises to deliver fireworks as they strive to find the back of the net.

The 28-man provisional squad also boasts a diverse mix of players, including the imposing St. Johnstone forward Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, Vietnam-based sharp-shooter Joseph Mpande, and AC Hackens’ striker John Paul Dembe, who hails from Sweden. Additionally, Rogers Mato from Macedonia and Rwanda-based forward Denis Omedi from APR add further depth to the attacking options.

Defensively, the lineup is bolstered by foreign-based talents such as Toby Sibbick, Herbert Bockhorn, Jordan Obita, Aziizi Kayondo, Elio Capradossi, and Elvis Bwomono, providing a blend of speed and skill.

Between the posts, the legendary Denis Onyango makes a triumphant return from retirement, supported by the experienced South African-based goalkeeper Salim Omar Magoola and rising star Nafian Alionzi.

The Uganda Cranes will face Mozambique on September 5, 2025, in a match eagerly awaited by fans at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Just three days later, they will clash with Somalia at the same iconic venue, both matches pivotal in the quest for World Cup qualification.

Currently, Algeria sits atop Group G with an impressive 15 points, followed closely by Mozambique with 12 points. Uganda and Botswana each have 9 points, while Guinea trails with 7 points and Somalia has managed only a single point, making the upcoming matches critical for all teams involved.