When COVID-19 struck the world between 2019 and 2022, it cruelly snatched away what would have been Uganda’s first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
In 2021, the Uganda Hippos made a remarkable run at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania, reaching the final before losing 2-0 to Ghana.
But they had already booked their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia—history was in the making.
Unfortunately, due to the continued effects of the pandemic, the tournament was cancelled, leaving Uganda heartbroken and robbed of a golden opportunity on the global stage.
Fast forward to 2025, and Uganda is once again within touching distance of a World Cup debut—this time through the U17 national team, the Uganda Cubs.
The Cubs qualified for the U17 AFCON and finished third in Group A with three points.
Now, they face a do-or-die playoff against Gambia—also third in Group C—for a spot at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Everything is on the line this Saturday evening, and Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo believes his boys are up for the challenge.
“The performance in our last match was top class. We just didn’t get the result,” Ssenyondo told FUFA Media.
“If we put in a similar shift and sharpen up in the final third, I believe the win will come.”
The Cubs’ journey to this point has been gritty and determined, and the next 90 minutes could etch their names in Ugandan football folklore.
Can they finally break the curse and become the first Ugandan national football side to actually play at a FIFA World Cup tournament?
The stage is set. History is calling. Qatar 2025 awaits.
