Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has named a power-packed 28-man provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, with 11 standout players from the CHAN 2024 squad making the cut.
The Cranes are set to face Mozambique on Friday, September 5th, and Somalia on Monday, September 8th at the newly renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in what are shaping up to be do-or-die matches in Group G.
The CHAN graduates include goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa; defenders Rogers Torach Ochaki, Hilary Mukundane, Herbert Achayi, and Gavin Kizito; midfielders Joel Sserunjogi and Abdul Karim Watambala; and forwards Allan Okello, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Reagan Mpande, and Jude Ssemugabi. Their inclusion highlights the growing strength and promise of domestic-based talent, with fans eager to see how they perform under the global spotlight.
Legendary shot-stopper Denis Onyango makes a sensational return from retirement, joined by South Africa-based Salim Omar Magoola and Nafian Alionzi in goal.
The forward line gets a serious boost with Karl Anthony Uche Ikpeazu (St Johnstone, Scotland), Joseph Mpande (Vietnam), John Paul Dembe (AC Hacken, Sweden), Rogers Mato (Macedonia), and Denis Omedi (APR, Rwanda).
Foreign-based defenders Toby Sibbick, Herbert Bockhorn, Jordan Obita, Aziizi Kayondo, Elio Capradossi, and Elvis Bwomono also add experience and depth to the backline.
Uganda currently sits joint 3rd in Group G with 9 points, tied with Botswana, trailing leaders Algeria (15 points) and Mozambique (12 points). Guinea has 7 points, while Somalia lags with just 1.
With two massive home fixtures at Namboole, the Cranes have a golden opportunity to revive their qualification hopes and energize their fanbase.
Uganda vs Mozambique will be played on Friday, September 5th, followed by Uganda vs Somalia on Monday, September 8th, both at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Coach Paul Put praised the CHAN alumni for their progress, stating:
“These players have earned their place. They bring hunger, discipline, and a deep understanding of local football culture. Blending them with our experienced foreign-based stars gives us a competitive edge.”
The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is heating up. Will the Cranes rise to the challenge? All eyes will be on Namboole this September.
