Uganda’s U17 national football team, the Cubs, have confirmed their final 21-man squad for their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Head coach Brian Ssenyondo finalized his selection on Thursday during the team’s training camp in Dubai, where they played three build-up matches against fellow World Cup-bound sides Venezuela, Panama, and Paraguay.
The friendlies offered the technical team a final chance to assess combinations and readiness, ending in a one draw and two narrow defeats.
The team departs for Doha this Saturday, November 1, and will open their campaign against Canada on Wednesday, November 5, at Aspire Zone.
They will later face Chile on November 8 before completing their group fixtures against France on November 11.
Ssenyondo’s squad features players drawn from top youth academies including KCCA Soccer Academy, Vipers Junior Team, Proline Soccer Academy, and St. Mary’s Kitende.
The selection reflects the growing strength of Uganda’s youth football structures and the technical emphasis on development over the past decade.
Leader of delegation Ariga Rasoul urged the players to uphold discipline and focus as they represent the nation on the global stage.
He described the World Cup appearance as a major opportunity for the young team to showcase Uganda’s footballing progress.
The 48-team tournament, running from November 3 to 27, is expected to draw global attention, with scouts from European clubs including Barcelona monitoring emerging talent.
Uganda’s key players, such as forward James Bogere of KCCA SA and Richard Okello of Proline SA, will look to use the platform to attract international interest.
With the Cubs’ World Cup debut approaching, optimism surrounds the team’s potential to make a statement on the global stage.
Uganda’s final squad for FIFA U17 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC JT), Edrine Wabbi (Buddo SS), Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC JT)
Defenders: Jovan Mukisa (NEC FC JT), Hamuza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC SA), Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Abdul Ntege (Maroons FC JT)
Midfielders: Brain Jjara (KCCA FC SA), Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers FC JT), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive SS), Nuwagaba Kamurungi (St. Mary’s Kitende), John Owino (Jinja SSS)
Forwards: James Bogere (KCCA SA), Richard Okello (Proline SA), Simon Wanyama (St. Mary’s Kitende), Shakur Magogo (Proline SA), Anzati Nkoola (St. Mary’s Kitende), Enock Bagenda (KCCA SA)
