Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has urged his players to carry their club performances onto the international stage as he named his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria.
Put, speaking at FUFA Stadium in Kadiba during the squad announcement, made it clear that national team opportunities would continue to be tied to consistent form at club level.
“I wish the best for the players because if they perform well for their clubs, then they can earn a call-up for the national team,” Put said. “It’s important that they show the same quality and discipline when they come to represent Uganda.”
The Belgian coach also praised Vipers for their progress in the CAF Champions League after back-to-back wins in the competition.
“I congratulate Vipers on their results in the Champions League. Winning both games is important for Ugandan football, and I wish them the best in the second round,” he noted.
Uganda will first visit Francistown to take on Botswana on October 9, before traveling to Algeria to face the group leaders in what could be a decisive contest.
With Algeria currently four points clear at the top of Group G, Put acknowledged that Uganda’s margin for error is slim. But he stressed that performances, both individually and collectively, would determine how far the Cranes can push their qualification hopes.
