Uganda Cubs coach Laryea Kingston has named 35 players on the provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, with the youngsters hoping to build on their historic run to the last 16 on their debut last year.

The Cubs booked their place at the tournament after edging Ghana 8-7 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations play-off in Rabat, Morocco, on May 24.

Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi made a crucial save before Trevor Mubiru converted the decisive penalty at the Mohammed VI Complex to send Uganda to the World Cup.

The qualification was hard-earned. Ghana took the lead through Eric Gyamfi in the ninth minute, but Owen Mukisa scored for Uganda in the first half to restore parity. Abdul Latif put Ghana ahead again in the 51st minute before Arafat Ibanda converted a 90+1st-minute penalty to force a shootout.

Uganda held their nerve to win 8-7, claiming the 10th and final African ticket to the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Kingston must now prepare his squad for the tournament, which runs from November 19 to December 13, as the Cubs seek to show that their impressive debut in 2025 was no fluke.

Cubs made their mark in Qatar

Uganda announced themselves on the world stage at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, reaching the Round of 16 under coach Brian Ssenyondo.

Their campaign did not begin as hoped, with a 2-1 defeat to Canada in their opening Group K match. However, the Cubs recovered to draw 1-1 with Chile, with Derrick Ssozi scoring a late equaliser to rescue a point.

Their biggest group-stage moment came against France. James Bogere struck in the 18th minute to hand Uganda a famous 1-0 victory over the three-time champions.

That result helped the Cubs progress to the knockout stage, where they continued to surprise their opponents.

Uganda faced a tough test against reigning African champions Senegal in the Round of 32 but rose to the occasion. Walusimbi scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory, while goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi produced a man-of-the-match performance to keep Senegal out.

The Cubs’ adventure ended in the Round of 16 against Burkina Faso. Nkoola scored as Uganda drew 1-1, but the West Africans prevailed 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

Although the defeat ended their hopes of going further, Uganda had already made a strong impression by reaching the last 16 on their first appearance at the tournament.

Now, with another World Cup ahead, the Cubs will hope to use that experience to go even further.

Kingston names 35 players

The provisional squad features players from local clubs, schools and academies, as well as youngsters playing abroad.

The goalkeeping options are Dean David Ssegirinya of Rays of Grace SA, Kasumba Hamidu of Vipers SC and Ashraf Lukyamuzi of KCCA FC.

Geofrey Mubiru of Amus College FC and Adrian Mukwanga of Vipers SC are also included.

The rest of the squad comprises Shakur Babi of Buddo SS, Joseph Dorongin of Rays of Grace SA, Sebastian Fisher of Patrick Thistle, Arafat Ibanda of NEC FC, Inshirah Mahyoub of Kibuli SSS, Ismail Fahad of KCCA FC, Ukasha Jemba of KCCA FC, Nicholas Kawooya of Buddo SS, Arnold Kayemba of Masaka Sunshine School, Edrine Kiddu of Bukedea CS, Eze Kombi of Amus College FC, Lorian Lwesibawa of Vipers SC, Isma Magala of Masaka Sunshine School and Mujad Mbalire of Masaka Sunshine School.

Also selected are Trevor Mubiru of KCCA FC, Henry Muhoozi of Amus College FC, Owen Mukisa of Vipers SC, Shakur Ngobi of Greenlight Islamic SS, Abdul Ntege of Maroons FC, Junior Ofoyrwth of Masaka Sunshine School, Thomas Ogema of KCCA FC, Brian Olwa of Edgars Youth Academy, Brian Owino of Vipers SC, Steven Oyirwoth of North Carolina Tar Heels, Enock Mwesigwa of Volf Soccer Academy, Yusuf Ssenyonga of Bukedea CS, Simon Wanyama of Bukedea CS, Mussa Sunna of Amus College FC, Ibrahim Waita of Buddo SS and Steven Balaggadde of Bukedea CS.

The 35 players will give Kingston a broad selection of talent as he works towards assembling the final squad for Qatar.

Experienced technical team

Kingston will work alongside assistant coaches Steven Bengo and Saddam Juma.

The backroom staff also includes goalkeeper coach Keneth Magada, fitness coach Felix Ayobo, team doctor Ivan Kulika, kits officer Patrick Senfuka, team manager Jerome Katende, safeguarding officer Vincent Tumusiime, video analyst Abbas Adjei-Grant and media officer Conrad Musiime.

The team will need careful preparation as Uganda look to compete against some of the strongest youth sides in world football.

Qatar awaits

The tournament will be held at Qatar’s Aspire Zone complex, with eight matches played daily during the group stage and Round of 32.

From Saturday to Wednesday, matches will start at 3:30 p.m. local time, with the last games kicking off at 6:30 p.m. On Thursdays and Fridays, the first matches will begin at 4:00 p.m., while the final kick-offs of the day are scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

The final will take place at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on December 13 at 7:00 p.m. local time.

The Cubs’ journey to Qatar has already demanded resilience, from surviving a difficult African qualification campaign to earning their place through a tense penalty shootout against Ghana.