Uganda Cranes Squad Announced for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, has revealed a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria.

The team will face crucial away fixtures in October, with the stakes high as the winners of each group secure direct qualification to the World Cup.

The squad sees the return of United States-based midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots) and Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution), who are expected to bring experience and creativity to the midfield.

Oyirwoth’s impressive performances have already drawn interest from top European clubs.

Coach Put has made several changes from the squad that featured in the recent home games against Mozambique and Somalia.

Joel Mutakubwa, Elvis Bwomono, Karim Watambala, Patrick Jonah Kakande, and John Paul Dembe have all been left out of the squad.

Uganda currently sits second in Group G with 15 points, four behind leaders Algeria and level on points with Mozambique, with two matches remaining.

The team’s performance in these qualifiers will determine their chances of securing a spot in the World Cup.

Squad List
Goalkeepers:

– Salim Jamal (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
– Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
– Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia)

Defenders:

– Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England)
– Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania)
– Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)
– Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)
– Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland)
– Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
– Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda)
– Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders:

– Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait)
– Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda)
– Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)
– Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda)
– Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)

Forwards:

– Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
– Denis Omedi (APR, Rwanda)
– Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam)
– Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia)
– Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda)
– Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus, South Sudan)
– Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland)
– Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia) ¹