Uganda Cubs set for historic FIFA U‑17 World Cup debut in Qatar

2025 FIFA World Cup 

Wednesday 5th 
Canada v Uganda 6:45pm (EAT)

Uganda will make history at the 2025 FIFA U‑17 World Cup in Qatar with the Uganda Cubs.

Coached by Brian Ssenyondo, the young side will open their campaign in Group K on Wednesday 5th against Canada, then face Chile on  and France.

This World Cup is the first edition with 48 teams, and Uganda’s debut is a milestone for the country. The team earned the ticket through strong performances in CECAFA and AFCON U‑17 qualifiers, showing that Ugandan youth football is on the rise.

In every game of sports,every team has key players, and for the Uganda Cubs, these are the players Coach Brian Ssenyondo will rely on.

Richard Okello – Captain from Jinja

Richard Okello, born 27 March 2008, is the Cubs’ captain. He rose through local academies including Masese and Amerigo, then joined El Cambio SA and BUL FC Junior Team. 

His leadership has guided Uganda through the zonal qualifiers and AFCON U‑17 tournament.

Okello is a composed striker with excellent hold-up play and movement. His calm approach helps teammates stay focused under pressure.

At the World Cup, he will balance scoring with directing the team and keeping Uganda disciplined against stronger opponents.

He first captained the side during CECAFA qualifiers, showing maturity beyond his age.

Coaches praise his quiet leadership, game intelligence, and ability to inspire the team. His guidance will be crucial as Uganda faces Canada, Chile, and France in group play.

James Bogere –Scoring machine 

Born 2 February 2008, James Bogere is a forward from Masaka Sunshine FC. He topped CECAFA qualifying and scored the key goals that sent Uganda to its first U‑17 World Cup. His pace, power, and finishing make him a constant threat in attack.

Bogere’s scoring included two hat-tricks in a single qualifying campaign and a brace at AFCON. He thrives in one-on-one situations and can change games instantly. Uganda will rely on his finishing against physical and fast defenders from Canada and Chile.

Bogere has shown consistency in friendlies and training camps, impressing coaches with his work rate and goal-scoring instincts. His ability to read the game and exploit spaces is vital for Uganda’s chances of advancing beyond the group stage.

Elvis Torach – Flying right-back from Kitgum

Elvis Torach, born 25 February 2008, plays right-back and is known for his pace and stamina. He trained at Rwotker, Zebra, and El Cambio academies before joining Masaka Sunshine FC and Blessed Sacrament SS, developing both defensive and attacking skills.

Torach is strong in one-on-one duels and reads the game well. Offensively, he overlaps to provide width and crosses. At the World Cup, he will shut down opposing wingers and support counter-attacks, helping Uganda stay solid in defence while creating chances.

Isima Magala Mulala – Midfield conductor from Iganga

Born 28 July 2009, Isima Magala Mulala is a calm midfielder with excellent game intelligence. Trained at El Cambio and Iganga Junior Academy, he later played for Masaka Sunshine FC and Blessed Sacrament SS, earning MVP awards in school competitions.

Magala controls the game, linking defence to attack with precise passes. In Dubai friendlies, he created key chances and set up goals. His creativity and discipline in tracking back will help Uganda compete against technically skilled teams like France and Chile.

Magala is known as a “quiet conductor.” His calm presence allows teammates to focus and maintain composure. His vision, positioning, and passing will be vital to break down tight defences in the World Cup.

Other Key Players

Brain Jjara (midfielder, Tororo) brings composure, ball control, and experience from KCCA FC. Adrian Mukwanga (goalkeeper, Gomba) is only 15 but shows calmness and excellent shot-stopping. Hamza Segoomba (centre-back, Kyotera) provides strength and aerial ability, while Steven Oyirwoth (centre-back, Pakwatch) organizes defence reliably.
Enock Bagenda (forward) is a tireless runner who presses opponents and creates chances.

Each player has shown growth in youth tournaments, CECAFA qualifiers, and AFCON, earning Uganda a place In this historic World Cup.

Group K Opponents

Canada 

Uganda opens against Canada, who topped their CONCACAF qualifying group and scored 26 goals without conceding from open play. Their main threat is left-footed winger Shola Jimoh, known for speed and unpredictability. Canada seeks their first U‑17 World Cup win.

Chile 

Chile, fourth-place finishers in the South American U‑17 Championship, are technically skilled and can attack from wide and central positions. 

Zidane Yanez is a player to watch, with strong finishing and vision, bringing international experience from New York City FC.

France 

France, a European youth powerhouse, enters as favourites. They were UEFA U‑17 European Championship runners-up. 

Abdoulaye Camara captains the team, while Djylian N’Guessan is an attacking threat. France has a history of producing players for senior national teams.

Tournament Format and Significance

The 2025 U‑17 World Cup uses a 48-team format. The top two from each group and eight best third-placed teams advance to the round of 32. Knockout stages follow, culminating in the final on 27 November.

Coach Brian Ssenyondo led camps and friendlies, including the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup. 

The team trained at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, preparing fitness, tactics, and mental readiness.

12 groups

Group A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia

Group B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal

Group C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates

Group D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, Fiji

Group E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt

Group F: Mexico, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Switzerland

Group G: Germany, Colombia, North Korea, El Salvador

Group H: Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Zambia

Group I: US, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia

Group J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Republic of Ireland

Group K: France, Chile, Canada, Uganda

Group L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia