Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has unveiled his 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, featuring decisive away fixtures against Botswana and Algeria in October.
The team sees the return of U.S.-based midfield duo Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots) and Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution), as Coach Put makes key changes to the lineup that recently faced Mozambique and Somalia at Namboole Stadium.
Notably omitted from the latest selection are Joel Mutakubwa, Elvis Bwomono, Karim Watambala, Patrick Jonah Kakande, and John Paul Dembe.
Local-based players are scheduled to depart this Sunday, with the foreign-based contingent set to join them at a later date.
With just two games remaining, Uganda currently sits second in Group G on 15 points—four behind leaders Algeria and level with Mozambique. Only the group winner will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best second-placed teams will move on to a playoff stage, vying for a spot in the inter-confederation playoff.
“We have to do everything possible because in football, you never know. We believe we can finish second,” said Coach Put, acknowledging the tough path that lies ahead.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers:
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
Defenders:
Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England)
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:
Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda)
Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait)
Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA)
Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)
Forwards:
Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam)
Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)
Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda)
Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus, South Sudan)
Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland)
Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia).
Upcoming Fixtures:
Botswana vs Uganda – 9th October 2025
Algeria vs Uganda – 14th October 2025
These matches are expected to play a pivotal role in determining Uganda’s World Cup fate.
