David GOMBE
Uganda Cubs will make their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup appearance during their Group K contest against Canada on Wednesday, 5th November 2025.
This will be the first time in history that a Ugandan national football team at any level will be at the global showpiece.
Brian Ssenyondo’s men are targeting history on their debut when they take on North American side Canada.
“We are more than ready for action. The build up friendly tournament also further prepared us. From the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup, we were able to work out the different partnerships and formations. The players are mentally and physically ready.” Said Ssenyondo.
Recently the Cubs had a pre-tournament in Dubai losing to Panama and Paraguay as well as drawing against Venezuela.
The Cubs will look up to James Bogere whose brace in the 2-1 win over Gambia sent Ssenyondo’s side to Qatar.
Besides Bogere, Isima Magala, Abubakali Walusimbi and skipper Richard Okello are the others expected to inspire the Cubs to their maiden win.
Canada under the stewardship of Mike Vitulano booked its ticket to this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup by topping its group at the Concacaf Men’s U-17 Championship Qualifiers in Bermuda this February. The team finished first in Group A with a perfect 4-0-0 record, scoring 28 goals and conceding just two.
Vitulano’s squad features an exciting mix of emerging talent from both domestic and international clubs. For starters, eligible players must be born on or after 1 January 2008, with this year’s roster including representatives from professional academies in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Twelve players are currently part of Canadian Major League Soccer academies (CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC) and two players play regularly with Canadian Premier League teams (Atlético Ottawa and York United FC.
“This group has grown a lot over the past year, and our ambition continues to drive us forward. The players are determined to represent Canada with pride and purpose on the world stage. Our preparation in Dubai will be vital to build on the work from previous camps and ensure we’re ready to take on three strong opponents in the group stage. The belief within this team is real – we’re focused on improving every day and making our country proud.” Said Mike Vitulano.
The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the Round of 32 before the tournament progresses to the knockout phase.
Uganda’s group also has France and South America side Chile.
Final Uganda U17 World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers:
Mukwanga Adrian (Vipers SC JT), Edrisah Waibi (Buddo SS), Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC JT)
Defenders:
Mukisa Jovan Nsereko (NEC FC JT), Sengooba Hamuza (Masaka Sunshine FC), Oyirwoth Steven (KCCA FC), Torach Elvis (Masaka Sunshine FC), Ntege Abdul (Maroons FC JT)
Midfielders:
Jjara Brain (KCCA FC), Ssozi Derick (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC), Walusimbi Abubakali (Vipers SC JT), Magala Isima Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Asiimwe John (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC JT), Owino John Brian (Express FC JT)
Forwards:
Bogere James (Masaka Sunshine FC), Okello Richard (BUL FC JT), Wanyama Simon (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio (Namilyango College), Nkoola Arafat (Vipers SC JT), Bagenda Enock (KCCA FC SA)
