Uganda Cranes must top Group G to bypass tough play-offs for 2026 World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Group G

Thursday, 4pm

Mozambique v Uganda

At Cairo International Stadium

Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the FIFA Play-off Tournament is an arduous task, which is why Uganda Cranes must aim to top Group G if they are serious about securing a spot in the final tournament set to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year.

Currently, Uganda sits fifth in Group G with six points, level with Botswana and Guinea but separated by goal difference. On Thursday, at Cairo International Stadium, Uganda will face joint group leaders Mozambique, who have nine points, the same as Algeria. With Algeria set to play Botswana on Friday at Francistown Stadium, Uganda has a chance to end the day level on points with both Mozambique and Algeria—provided they secure a victory.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has had limited time to prepare his squad for this crucial encounter. The experienced Belgian tactician arrived in Cairo last Saturday and has been with the team for just five days. His first two days were spent working with only half of the 26-man squad due to late arrivals from club commitments. The full squad only assembled on Tuesday.

Despite the short preparation period, Put remains optimistic about Uganda’s chances against Mozambique’s Mambas. "We have not had enough time to prepare and work on all aspects of the game, but that is the reality. At least we have utilized the little time available to focus on key areas. I am pleased with the players' attitude and response in training. We are ready for the game. It will be tough because Mozambique is a good team, but I have trust in my players to get a positive result,” said Put.

While goalkeeper Ismail Watenga is almost certain to start, predicting the rest of the lineup remains challenging. However, some likely starters include Bevis Mugabi, Ellio Capradossi, Kenneth Semakula, Aziz Kayondo, Khalid Aucho, Ronald Ssekiganda, Denis Omedi, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, and Steven Mukwala.

Mukwala and Okello have been in impressive form for their respective clubs. Okello is Vipers' top performer, netting 14 league goals, while Mukwala has scored nine times this season for Simba SC in Tanzania. Their contributions will be crucial in today’s match. Additionally, Omedi and Muhammad Shaban could play vital roles given their recent performances for Uganda.

Mozambique, under head coach Chiquinho Conde, are aiming to secure all three points to remain at the top of Group G while hoping Botswana can challenge Algeria tomorrow. Having recently competed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Mozambique will rely on Portugal-based Sporting Lisbon forward Geny Catamo and Atletico Madrid left-back Reinildo Mandava.

Originally, this fixture was set to be played in Maputo, Mozambique. However, due to Zimpeto National Stadium failing to meet the minimum requirements for CAF and FIFA Category 3 matches, Mozambique had to seek an alternative venue, ultimately settling on Cairo International Stadium.

This situation underscores why the FIFA Play-off Tournament is so challenging and why Uganda must aim to top Group G. The nine group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the four best-performing second-placed teams across all groups will compete in two one-off semi-finals, with the two winners advancing to a final. The victor of that final will enter the FIFA Play-off Tournament.

The African winner of the playoff round will then face five teams from the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), which will provide two representatives, along with one team each from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

The four lowest-ranked nations in the FIFA Play-off Tournament will meet in semi-final playoffs, with the two winners advancing to the final. The final winner will secure a World Cup spot, while the highest-ranked two teams will also compete for another World Cup slot.

With such a demanding qualification route, Uganda must prioritize finishing at the top of their group to avoid the perilous play-off stage and secure direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.