Uganda Cubs make historic debut at 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar
Uganda makes its maiden appearance at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, facing France, Chile, and Canada as the young Cubs aim to shine on the global stage and fly East Africa’s flag high.
The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Monday, with Uganda carrying the hopes of East and Central Africa as the region’s sole representative at the global showpiece.
Drawn in Group K, the Uganda Cubs will face France, Chile, and Canada. They open their campaign against Canada on Wednesday, November 5, then meet Chile on Saturday, November 8, before wrapping up the group stage against France on Tuesday, November 11.
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This marks Uganda’s first-ever appearance at the U-17 World Cup — a historic moment the young team hopes to seize by challenging some of world football’s youth powerhouses.
"We have been preparing for some time now, and I believe the players we have can perform well at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Playing at the World Cup is another good platform for the players to do their best and be able to be identified by scouts from around the world," said Uganda Cubs coach Brian Ssenyondo as he unveiled his final 21-member squad.
"Every match we shall play in Qatar will be like a cup final, and we must treat it with high regard. We need to put in a lot of effort because it will be our first time to appear in a World Cup, and we must treat it with a lot of seriousness."
The expanded tournament features a record 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will progress to the round of 32.
The knockout phase will follow, with the round of 16 scheduled for November 18, the quarterfinals on November 21, the semifinals on November 24, and both the third-place playoff and final on November 27.
All matches up to the final will be staged at the Aspire Zone complex in Al Rayyan, just outside Doha. The final will take place at the 45,857-capacity Khalifa International Stadium — one of Qatar’s oldest and most iconic venues, which also hosted matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil, four-time champions, enter as favourites, followed closely by France, Argentina, and Nigeria.
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