With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers just around the corner, the Uganda Cranes are ready to embark on their journey toward securing a spot at the global stage.
Head Coach Paul Put unveiled the 26-man squad for the upcoming Group G fixtures during a press conference at FUFA Complex in Mengo on Monday, March 10.
The Cranes will face Mozambique on March 20th and Guinea on March 25th, with the first match taking place away in Cairo, Egypt, and the second match being held at home in Uganda at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
A blend of local and foreign based players in the Cranes’ Squad
The Uganda Cranes’ 26-man squad brings together a blend of seasoned international players and emerging talents, both at local and foreign clubs, offering Coach Paul Put a variety of options in every position. From experienced defenders to dynamic forwards, the squad is filled with players eager to make their mark on the World Cup qualifiers.
In goal, Watenga Isma (Golden Arrows FC – South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC – Ethiopia), and Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC – Uganda) will be competing for a starting spot. In defense, Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC – Scotland), Bevis Mugabi (Anorthosis Famagusta – Cyprus), and Tim Awany (FC Ashdod – Israel) lead a backline that combines international experience and a strong understanding of the African game.
Uganda’s midfield options are equally exciting, with Khalid Aucho (Young Africans SC – Tanzania) and Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine – Tunisia) providing a solid foundation in the center of the park. They will be joined by local-based talents such as Watambala Abdu Karim (Vipers SC – Uganda) and Ssebagala Enock (NEC FC – Uganda).
Up front, Uganda’s attacking line is both deep and diverse, with Steven Mukwala (Simba FC – Tanzania) and Patrick Kakande (SC Villa – Uganda) leading the charge. Mukwala’s goal-scoring form for his Tanzanian club could prove crucial, while Kakande’s domestic experience is vital for the Cranes.
Key fixtures for Uganda’s Road to 2026
The Cranes’ first test comes on March 20th, when they face Mozambique in Cairo, Egypt. While Mozambique will be playing the fixture on neutral ground, the Cranes will need to rise to the occasion and secure a vital result away from home.
The March 25th fixture against Guinea at Mandela National Stadium promises to be an exciting and crucial game for the Cranes, as they aim to make their home crowd proud. A strong performance on home soil will be essential for keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
Coach Paul Put: Focused and determined
Head Coach Paul Put has called on his squad to be focused and determined in these important early fixtures. With a group that combines local-based players with international experience, Put will be looking for cohesion, strategy, and resilience from his team.
The Cranes’ road to the 2026 World Cup is expected to be highly competitive, and the team is determined to give their best in every match. The upcoming qualifiers represent a crucial opportunity for Uganda to build momentum and set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
