Uganda Cubs Qualify for Their First FIFA U-17 World Cup

On 12 April 2025, Uganda’s under-17 national team, the Cubs, defeated The Gambia 2–1 at Stade El Abdi in El Jadida, Morocco, to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time. Coached by Brian Ssenyondo, they became the first Ugandan national football team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup tournament at any age level. The Gambia took the lead in the opening minute through Ahmed Njundu Kanyi. James Bogere equalised in the 13th minute and scored again in the 33rd, giving Uganda a lead they protected throughout the second half to secure the decisive victory. The Cubs had finished third in their U-17 Africa Cup of Nations group, earning a place in a qualification play-off against The Gambia. Their win made Uganda one of Africa’s ten representatives at the expanded 48-team World Cup in Qatar, marking a new milestone for the country’s youth football.