In an unforgettable moment for Ugandan football, the Uganda Cubs have officially been drawn into Group K of the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
The draw, held in a festive and globally-watched event at Raffles Hotel in Doha on Sunday, May 25, confirmed the groups for what promises to be the most expansive edition of the tournament yet, featuring 48 teams for the first time in history.
Grouped alongside European giants France, South American contenders Chile, and North American hopefuls Canada, Uganda faces a formidable challenge in its historic debut at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
Yet, the inclusion alone marks a monumental achievement for the East African nation and a reflection to the rising tide of talent from the region.
The Cubs’ road to Qatar was sealed in dramatic fashion last month at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they stunned The Gambia with a 2-1 victory in the playoff match.
Rising star James Bogere etched his name in Ugandan football folklore, scoring both goals in a thrilling first half to send the nation to its first-ever World Cup at any level.
With the draw now complete, the focus turns to preparation. Head coach Brian Ssenyondo and team manager Bashir Mutyaba are already on the ground in Qatar, attending crucial pre-tournament engagements, including a technical workshop that was held on Saturday, May 24.
These sessions were designed to help debutant teams acclimate to the tournament’s high standards and global stage.
Group K promises no easy path. France arrives with a storied youth development system, having produced global superstars and boasting strong recent performances at youth levels.
Chile brings a fierce, high-intensity style typical of South American football while Canada’s burgeoning investment in grassroots programs makes them a dangerous and rapidly improving side.
Still, Uganda’s young guns are brimming with confidence and national pride coming to this stage after championing the CECAFA region and winning the qualification playoff against Gambia.
As the tournament kicks off from November 3 to 27, all eyes will be on the Cubs to see how they rise to the occasion against some of the world’s elite.
Full FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 draw
Group A
- Qatar
- Italy
- South Africa
- Bolivia
Group B
- Japan
- Morocco
- New Caledonia
- Portugal
Group C
- Senegal
- Croatia
- Costa Rica
- United Arab Emirates
Group D
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Tunisia
- Fiji
Group E
- England
- Venezuela
- Haiti
- Egypt
Group F
- Mexico
- Korea Republic
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Switzerland
Group G
- Germany
- Colombia
- Korea DPR
- El Salvador
Group H
- Brazil
- Honduras
- Indonesia
- Zambia
Group I
- USA
- Burkina Faso
- Tajikistan
- Czechia
Group J
- Paraguay
- Uzbekistan
- Panama
- Republic of Ireland
Group K
- France
- Chile
- Canada
- Uganda
Group L
- Mali
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Saudi Arabia
