Uganda’s hopes of securing a spot at the FIFA 2026 World Cup remain alive but increasingly challenging as they sit fifth in Group G with six points after four matches.
With only the group winner earning an automatic ticket and the best four runners-up advancing to a playoff, the Cranes must make every remaining game count.
Their campaign started on a disappointing note with a 2-1 defeat to Guinea, but they quickly recovered with a narrow 1-0 victory over Somalia.
Back on home soil, a late strike from substitute Muhammad Shaban secured another 1-0 win against Botswana, keeping their qualification dream on track.
However, their momentum was halted in a tough encounter against Algeria, where an early goal from Travis Mutyaba gave Uganda hope, only for the North Africans to respond with two second-half goals, handing the Cranes a 2-1 defeat.
With Algeria and Mozambique leading the group with nine points each, Uganda finds itself in a fierce battle with Botswana and Guinea, who also have six points.
The standings remain tight, making the upcoming fixtures against Mozambique on March 20 and Guinea on March 25 crucial to Uganda’s qualification chances.
Victory in both matches would put them right back in contention, while any dropped points could significantly dent their hopes.
One of the key areas Uganda must address is goal scoring. Despite winning two matches, the Cranes have managed just four goals in as many games—one of the lowest tallies among the top five teams in the group.
With goal difference potentially playing a role in qualification, they must be more clinical in attack while maintaining their defensive discipline. Uganda has conceded four goals so far, and defensive lapses in crucial moments, like in the Algeria game, have proven costly.
The Cranes’ fate is still in their hands, but the margin for error is slim.
With four matches left in the campaign, including games against group leaders Algeria and Mozambique, Uganda must take full advantage of every opportunity.
Their upcoming fixtures could define whether they remain in the race or fall further behind in their quest for a historic World Cup debut.
